Great Inns of Britain by Matthew Zaremba

The

Greatof Inns Britain

www.greatinns.co.uk

Historic hotels and inns blending traditional hospitality with contemporary comforts www.greatinns.co.uk

hello and welcome to The Great Inns

of Britain. We are a unique collection of historic Inns and small hotels, all independently owned or managed. We share a passion for traditional hospitality, great service, fine food and wine. We can boast beautiful buildings in stunning locations, we’re stylish, not stuffy and we offer value for money prices.

Before, during, or after a visit, we hope you’ll ... The Peacock at Rowsley

talk

to us – and join our conversations through Twitter. Ask us questions, tell us which Inn you’re visiting, tell us what you think.

with us on Facebook - we love to hear your thoughts and see your pictures. You’ll also get to meet our Innkeepers, find out what they’re up to, what’s cooking, what’s new.

listen out for all our special offers, deals, events

and news – be the first to hear by signing up to our e-newsletter at www.greatinns.co.uk

give a Great Inns of Britain gift voucher –

perfect for weddings, birthdays and celebrations; any value from £100 and redeemable at any of the Great Inns (see p6).

So what makes a great inn ..? the people

a warm welcome, a passion for service and an eye for detail

the rooms

traditional bars, cosy restaurants and comfortable bedrooms

the food

menus that celebrate the seasons, champion regional specialities and suppliers and bring new twists to old favourites

the drink

whether it’s the finest wines from around the world or the best cask ales from around the corner Ye Olde Bull’s Head, Beaumaris

The Wild Boar, Windermere

The Blue Lion, Wensleydale

the history

historic buildings with rich and colourful pasts, set in lovely locations around the country

the innkeepers

an independent, innovative, inspirational bunch!

www.greatinns.co.uk

The

Greatof Inns Britain

as much or as little as you want; chill out, get out, celebrate, relax, revive

discover

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Beaumaris, Anglesey

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what will you do?

across village greens or majestic landscapes, find yourself beside the seaside, the quayside or the lakeside

Castle House Hotel

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walking, wandering, horseracing, golfing, fishing, shopping

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The Forest of Bowland

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historic towns and villages, stately homes, ancient castles and abbeys

gaze

Choose your Inn

Walking Fishing Horse Racing Golf Water Sports Country Pursuits Retail Therapy Historic Attractions Countryside Setting Wedding Receptions Civil Wedding Licence Conference/Meetings

The Quayside, Harwich

Map Ref & Page No.

So, make some time and find an excuse to head for the hills or the coast, the countryside, the lakes or the dales …

Ironbridge

The Rose & Crown, County Durham The Pheasant, Cumbria The Wild Boar, Windermere The Blue Lion, North Yorkshire The Yorke Arms, North Yorkshire Grassington House, North Yorkshire The Boar’s Head, North Yorkshire Shibden Mill Inn, West Yorkshire The Inn at Whitewell, Lancashire The Millstone at Mellor, Lancashire Ye Olde Bull’s Head, Anglesey The Peacock, Derbyshire Barnsdale Lodge, Rutland The Hundred House, Shropshire The Hoste Arms, Norfolk Castle House Hotel, Herefordshire The King’s Head Inn, The Cotswolds The Pier, Essex milsoms, Essex The Bell Inn, Essex Join us on Twitter and Facebook! The Historic Hotels of Europe

Ireland’s Blue Book Welsh Rarebits

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ROMALDKIRK, COUNTY DURHAM

The Rose & Crown

The

Greatof Inns Britain

Chris and Alison Davy

Overlooking not one, but three village greens, medieval stocks, a Saxon Church and charming stone built cottages – it’s certainly a case of location, location, location for the Rose & Crown in the picture-perfect setting of Romaldkirk in County Durham.

Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations, retirement present, thank-you, staff rewards, prizes... Great Inns gift vouchers are the perfect solution when you want to give someone special an equally special treat. Available for any amount upwards of £100, the vouchers are valid for 24 months and are presented in a stylish folder. Vouchers are valid for use against a stay at any of the Inns that are current members of Great Inns of Britain at the time of making a booking. Buy Gift Vouchers through our secure online store at www.greatinns.co.uk or by calling 01423 770152.

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The 12 en-suite bedrooms are individually decorated and furnished, featuring luxury fabrics and Bose music systems. In the main house, rooms boast period features, some with exposed beams and antique furniture, while the Courtyard Rooms are more contemporary in style.

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The Inn at Whitewell

Since 1733, the Inn has been a central feature of this lovely village; under the inspired and experienced ownership of Chris and Alison Davy, it remains a popular venue for locals and visitors alike – with its polished panelling, oak settles, old prints, gleaming brasses and a huge open fire.

The Millstone at Mellor

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Menus in both the candlelit Brasserie and the fine-dining Restaurant celebrate local and regional produce, complemented by a wide selection of wines and real ales.

Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 9EB T +44 (0)1833 650213 F +44 (0)1833 650828 E hotel@rose-and-crown.co.uk www.rose-and-crown.co.uk 12 Bedrooms 7

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BASSENTHWAITE, CUMBRIA

WINDERMERE, CUMBRIA

The Pheasant

The Wild Boar

A charming old coaching Inn nestled in a peaceful setting close to Bassenthwaite Lake, The Pheasant dates back over 500 years; it is one of the last remaining traditional Cumbrian hostelries and exudes a peaceful, period atmosphere.

This traditional Inn, Grill and Smokehouse is packed with character and perfectly located in the ancient Gilpin Valley, close to Windermere, at the heart of the Lake District. Oak beams, cosy candlelight and open fire are complemented by the warmest of welcomes.

The huntsman John Peel, celebrated in legend and song, enjoyed many a pint in The Pheasant’s tap room, whilst the artist Edward Thompson, when unable to pay his considerable drinks bill, handed over two of his watercolours instead – and they still hang in the bar today.

A coaching Inn since the 16th century, The Wild Boar takes its name from the local legend of Sir Richard de Gilpin who bravely slayed a particularly ferocious wild boar close by. The Inn has 72 acres of private woodland for guests to explore including nature trails and a beautiful tarn.

The Inn’s new bistro offers a rustic, homely style of food in a relaxed atmosphere, perfectly complementing the well established fine dining restaurant, now elegantly located to enjoy gorgeous views across the garden and forest beyond.

The hearty, modern British menu showcases the abundant Lakeland larder alongside seasonal ingredients from some of the region’s finest producers, with Head Chef Marc Sanders’ regularly changing menus making full use of the Inn’s smokehouse and grill.

The individually decorated bedrooms and suites combine understated luxury with modern comforts, fine fabrics and antiques. In the lounge, the draw of comfy sofas and log fires are the perfect accompaniment for cosy afternoon teas. All in all, The Pheasant continues to fly very high indeed.

The 33 bedrooms range from a classic, comfortable style through to the indulgent feature and luxury- grade rooms, all individually designed to offer features such as log burning stoves and stunning copper baths.

Bassenthwaite Lake, Near Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9YE T +44 (0)1768 776234 F +44 (0)1768 776002 E info@the-pheasant.co.uk www.the-pheasant.co.uk 15 Bedrooms

Crook Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NF T +44 (0)15394 45225 or Reservations: 08458 504 604 F +44(0)15394 42498 E wildboar@englishlakes.co.uk www.thewildboarinn.co.uk 33 bedrooms

Barbara and Matthew Wylie

Andy Lemm

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WENSLEYDALE, NORTH YORKSHIRE

RAMSGILL, NORTH YORKSHIRE

The Blue Lion

The Yorke Arms

The Blue Lion is a rare beast: a rural Inn that remains true to its roots – the stone-flagged bar features the original high-backed wooden bench seats, a massive log fire and blackboard menus that reflect an abundance of local produce.

The Yorkes blazed a colourful trail through history. Sir Richard Yorke was knighted by Henry VII. His grandson was knighted by Edward VI before being thrown into the Tower by Mary Tudor.

The Blue Lion is the pride of East Witton: the front door overlooks the rectangular village green; a wooded hillside rises steeply to meet the moors above; and the River Ure flows through the peaceful valley.

Sir Edward Yorke repelled the Armada before circumnavigating the world. But, you could circumnavigate the world many times before you found a place as lovely as the Yorke Arms: built in 1813 as the coaching house and shooting lodge for the nearby manor house, the beautiful stone building overlooks Ramsgill village green, surrounded by magnificent Dales countryside. Named after local game birds, rooms are dressed in sophisticated colour schemes and luxurious fabrics.

Paul and Helen Klein

Frances and Bill Atkins

This is a walker’s paradise and few pleasures beat touring Wensleydale and Swaledale. The towering stone walls of Richard III’s Middleham Castle dominate this end of the dale, whilst the Black Sheep Brewery attracts many a visitor. Brilliant bar meals are complemented by fine hand-pulled beers, the candlelit restaurant is the perfect setting for the acclaimed menu and the Inn’s comfortable, stylish rooms provide a real retreat. It’s a winning, welcoming combination that draws guests from far and wide.

The Yorke Arms’ towering reputation for fine dining rests on the outstanding fare that emerges from Frances Atkins’ kitchen. Her creative approach and deft touch - combined with seasonal produce from Yorkshire’s abundant larder and specialist suppliers - have earned a Michelin star for eight years running. This truly is a great Inn.

East Witton, Near Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4SN T +44 (0)1969 624273 F +44 (0)1969 624189 E enquiries@thebluelion.co.uk www.thebluelion.co.uk 15 Bedrooms

Ramsgill-in-Nidderdale, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate , North Yorshire HG3 5RL T + 44 (0)1423 755243 F +44 (0)1423 755330 E enquiries@yorke-arms.co.uk www.yorke-arms.co.uk 16 Bedrooms

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GRASSINGTON, NORTH YORKSHIRE

RIPLEY, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Grassington House

The Boar’s Head Inn

His own hand-reared rare breed pigs and fresh laid eggs from Snow White and Cinderella (Cherry Valley ducks!) are just two examples of John Rudden’s passion for using the very best ingredients to create his award winning menus - with impeccable ‘field to fork’ credentials.

King Edward III was hunting in the royal forest of Knaresborough when he was attacked by a ferocious wild boar. Thomas Ingilby of nearby Ripley Castle killed the assailant, saved the king’s life, and earned himself an instant knighthood.

Grassington is a picture-perfect village in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales: the cobbled market square in front of the hotel is alive with shops, cafés and tearooms – a magnet for visitors to the area’s picturesque rolling hills and river valleys.

The boar failed to achieve celebrity status and ended up as the main course at that night’s banquet instead. Such is the price of fame. The Boar’s Head is renowned for its food and the brasserie menu features local seasonal specialities; game from the estate and seasonal vegetables, fruit and herbs from the castle’s walled gardens.

Sue and John Rudden

Grassington House is an informal, relaxed, yet very stylish Inn. John’s culinary skills shine in the 2 AA Rosette restaurant - 5 The Square - while Sue’s touch is evident throughout the 9 individually designed luxury rooms. Italian lighting and fabrics are combined with designer furnishings, with rooms ranging from the contemporary chic of the Red Room to the cosy Georgian Cottage Room. Second floor rooms have memorable views over the spectacular surrounding countryside.

5 The Square, Grassington, North Yorkshire, BD23 5AQ T +44 (0)1756 752 406 F +44 (0)1756 752 050 E bookings@grassingtonhousehotel.co.uk www.grassingtonhousehotel.co.uk 9 Bedrooms 12

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Sir Thomas and Lady Ingilby

The bedrooms are very comfortable and attractively presented, and free wi fi is offered throughout. The bar is well stocked with local ales including Theakston’s and Black Sheep, and there is an extensive and well priced wine list. Guests are offered free tickets for the tour of the castle and its beautiful walled gardens, and the Nidderdale Way goes past the front door. Nearby Harrogate is a great place to shop. Learn a lesson from history: if you are charged by the Boar’s Head, flex your credit card and all will be well. Ripley, Near Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 3AY T +44 (0)1423 771888 F +44 (0)1423 771509 E reservations@boarsheadripley.co.uk www.boarsheadripley.co.uk 25 Bedrooms 13

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SHIBDEN, WEST YORKSHIRE

FOREST OF BOWLAND, LANCASHIRE

Shibden Mill Inn

The Inn at Whitewell

Voted Yorkshire Pub of the Year in 2011, Shibden Mill Inn has been at the heart of life in West Yorkshire’s Shibden Valley for over 350 years.

Dating from the 1300s, The Inn at Whitewell was originally home to the Keeper of the King’s royal hunting Forest of Bowland; 700 years on, a warm welcome continues to be extended to guests in pursuit of top-class food, wine and lodgings.

The Inn’s reputation for warm hospitality, premier gastro dining and first-class accommodation draws people to the Shibden Valley from far and wide, and the Mill has naturally become a popular choice for those wishing to savour a sumptuous weekend break or mid-week stay.

Perched on a perfect curve in the River Hodder and brimming with character, the Inn has 23 en-suite bedrooms individually designed with antique furnishings, paintings and prints; many have open peat fires and others overlook the river. Some bathrooms feature beautifully restored Victorian ‘bathing machines’ – canopied baths and showers with huge spray heads.

Simon and Caitlin Heaton

In the restaurant, Head Chef Darren Parkinson’s inspired menus combine with original oak beams and candlelit tables to create a special, romantic atmosphere; the award-winning food can also be enjoyed in the cosy bar or, during warm weather, in the lovely riverside gardens.

Charles Bowman

Head Chef Jamie Cadman creates wholesome, delicious menus with lots of seasonal and local produce in evidence, served in the bar, dining room, Orangery or riverside garden.

Owners Simon and Caitlin Heaton have gone to great lengths to coax Shibden Mill into the 21st century while retaining its period character, recent additions including a new link corridor from the marvellous bedrooms to the bar featuring a stunning glass feature wine display and the charming stone floor laid-in tap room.

Guests can try their hand at fishing on the river, or set off to explore the countryside on foot, bike or horseback. Take a picnic lunch hamper packed with provisions and enjoy a feast fit for a king!

Shibden Mill Fold, Shibden, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 7UL T +44 (0)1422 365840 F +44 (0)1422 362971 E enquiries@shibdenmillinn.com www.shibdenmillinn.com 11 Bedrooms

Forest of Bowland, Near Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 3AT T +44 (0)1200 448222 F +44 (0)1200 448298 E reception@innatwhitewell.com www.innatwhitewell.com 23 bedrooms

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MELLOR, LANCASHIRE

BEAUMARIS, ISLE OF ANGLESEY

The Millstone at Mellor

Ye Olde Bull’s Head

Anson was the original Bolton Wanderer - until he fell in love with Sarah and returned to his native Lancashire. A career chef, his culinary skills were honed at some of London’s top hotels and on the world’s most luxurious cruise liners.

‘The Bull’ has been a feature of Beaumaris since 1472: it was rebuilt in 1617 and Cromwellian General Mytton occupied it during the Civil War. At one time it was a Quaker meeting house and later guests included Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson.

Anson is now Chef Patron at The Millstone, a delightful restaurant with rooms in a peaceful hilltop village between Preston and Blackburn.

David Robertson and Keith Rothwell took over in 1987 and The Bull continues to be a favourite meeting place for locals and visitors alike. There are 13 ensuite bedrooms featuring stylish décor and antique furnishings, whilst the adjacent Town House offers an additional 13 contemporary rooms styled around bold colours.

Anson and Sarah Bolton

Anson’s inventiveness in the kitchen has earned a strong local following and 2 AA Rosettes; he works closely with local suppliers and favourites include Morecambe Bay potted shrimps and Pendle Lamb. Unsurprisingly, the Millstone hosts regular foodie events and evenings. Rooms are wonderfully comfortable, using sumptuous fabrics and fine linen. All have beautifully appointed bathrooms and the suites feature cosy sitting areas. And, whilst Anson may have left the sea, this Bolton will always be a Wanderer - and he has the season ticket to prove it!

Church Lane, Mellor, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 7JR T +44 (0)1254 813333 F +44 (0)1254 812628 E info@millstonehotel.co.uk www.millstonehotel.co.uk 22 Bedrooms 16

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David Robertson

The Bull’s roots as a medieval coaching Inn are clearly evident in the bar, with its oak beams, the old ducking stool and a welcoming open fire. The Brasserie and the Loft restaurant combine striking interior design with ancient features and enjoy enviable reputations in their own right. The award-winning cuisine takes its lead from the finest Anglesey and seasonal produce: fantastic fodder, by anyone’s standards! With Beaumaris offering panoramic views of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia, this Inn is in a truly spectacular location. Castle Street, Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey LL58 8AP T +44 (0)1248 810329 F +44 (0)1248 811294 E info@bullsheadinn.co.uk www.bullsheadinn.co.uk 26 bedrooms 17

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ROWSLEY, DERBYSHIRE

OAKHAM, RUTLAND

The Peacock

Barnsdale Lodge

Having been brought back into the Manners family fold after a lapse of 45 years, the fabulous Peacock has truly come home to roost - with interiors transformed by India Mahdavi happily accommodating antique furnishings from the family’s Belvoir Castle.

Rutland is England’s smallest county and, of its 16 square miles, some 30,000 acres is under Rutland Water: on the north shore of the lake is Barnsdale Lodge, part of the Exton Park Estate, which has been home of the Earls of Gainsborough since 1760.

Situated in the heart of England amongst the rolling countryside of the Peak District, The Peacock at Rowsley is a small luxury hotel offering the perfect base from which to explore Derbyshire’s unspoilt towns and villages and the nearby Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House. Guests can also enjoy wild trout fishing on the hotel’s own superb stretch of the Rivers Wye and Derwent.

Barnsdale Lodge is arranged around a lovely large courtyard; filled with trees and fragrant flowers it’s a wonderful place to meet, dine and generally unwind.

Lord Edward Manners, Ian and Jenni MacKenzie

Within the Peacock’s ancient walls Jenni and Ian MacKenzie have created a contemporary yet comfortable ambience, providing the perfect backdrop to 16 luxurious bedrooms and the 3 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant. The mouthwatering menus created by Head Chef, Daniel Smith, use locally sourced ingredients and are fittingly complemented by fine wines. The Peacock has been awarded 3 AA red stars, Inspector’s Choice each year since 2009. Rowsley, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2EB T +44 (0)1629 733518 F +44 (0)1629 732671 E reception@thepeacockatrowsley.com www.thepeacockatrowsley.com 16 Bedrooms 18

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The Hon. Thomas Noel

The charming bedrooms surround the courtyard and many have idyllic views across the surrounding countryside. Superb dining features local specialities, ingredients from Barnsdale’s kitchen garden and eggs from their hens – whilst the freshly baked bread and pastries from the traditional wood-fired ovens of Hambleton Bakery are something of a speciality. The historic market towns of Stamford, Oakham and Uppingham are minutes away and Rutland Water offers an excellent choice of outdoor activities. The proprietor, the Hon. Thomas Noel, loves flying helicopters and the hotel has become something of a mecca for fellow helicopter pilots. The Avenue, Rutland Water, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH T +44 (0)1572 724678 F +44 (0)1572 724961 E reception@barnsdalelodge.co.uk www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk 44 Bedrooms 19

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NORTON, SHROPSHIRE

BURNHAM MARKET, NORFOLK

The Hundred House

The Hoste Arms

The Hundred House was previously a rent collector’s house and courthouse, complete with ducking pond and stocks. Some things don’t change. Cases are still heard - few sounds please the ear more than a case of fine wine en route from the cellar.

This wonderful Inn, overlooking the beautiful village green is located in Norfolk’s loveliest village, Burhman Market. Close to the North Norfolk coast and its sandy beaches it continues to set the benchmark for hospitality, service and style.

This charming hotel lies amidst rolling countryside close to the beautiful Severn Valley and Ironbridge Gorge.

Built in 1550 as the manor house of Burnham Westgate, the building served time as a courthouse, livestock market and brothel before welcoming its first guests as an Inn in 1651. Admiral Lord Nelson was even once a regular.

The Phillips Family

The Hotel interiors are embellished throughout with herbs and flowers grown in the lovely gardens, where guests are welcome to wander amongst unusual roses, trees, herbaceous plants and over 100 varieties of herbs – used extensively in the kitchens. French-trained Head Chef Stuart Phillips has earned 2 well-deserved AA Rosettes for his imaginative cuisine and hosts regular master chef sessions for the public. The distinctive bar and restaurant feature mellow brick, stained glass, Jacobean wood-panelling and cosy log fires. Above are 10 quirky but sumptuous bedrooms fragrant with lavender-scented sheets and some with velvet-seated swings attached to the old oak beams! Bridgnorth Road (A442), Norton, nr Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire TF11 9EE T +44 (0)1952 580240 F +44 (0)1952 580260 E reservations@hundredhouse.co.uk www.hundredhouse.co.uk 10 Bedrooms 20

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Today’s guests bask in the country house ambience, from the cosy front bar and panelled dining rooms, to the light-filled conservatory, pretty walled garden and stylish garden terrace. The bedrooms at The Hoste Arms, Vine House, The Railway Inn and Luxury Holiday Cottages are sumptuously decorated with beautiful fabrics and furnished with luxurious beds and linens. The new Hoste beauty spa is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Specialising in local, seasonal food and service of the highest standard, it is a unique and special place to stay, which is why so many guests return year after year. The Green, Burnham Market, Norfolk PE31 8HD T +44 (0)1328 738777 F +44 (0)1328 730103 E reception@hostearms.co.uk www.hostearms.co.uk 58 Bedrooms across 6 properties 21

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HEREFORD, HEREFORDSHIRE

BLEDINGTON, THE COTSWOLDS

Castle House Hotel

The King’s Head Inn

Castle House Hotel is a beautifully-restored Grade II listed Georgian townhouse situated near the ancient cathedral in the heart of historic Hereford. It is the perfect location for exploring the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley.

Lying deep in the heart of the Cotswolds, The King’s Head Inn dates back to the 16th century when it was originally built as a cider house. Owners Archie and Nicola Orr-Ewing have devoted an extraordinary amount of time and energy to restoring and improving this beautiful pub.

Guests can choose from 24 rooms and suites all individually decorated and with antique furnishings, including eight superb new rooms and suites at No25, a townhouse just moments from the main hotel.

Cotswold stone walls, old oak beams and flagstone floors create a stunning interior, with the inglenook fireplace dominating one end of the bar. Open fires welcome you in the winter, while in the spring and summer, the gloriously picturesque village green with the brook running through it - and the ducks and bantams wandering freely - creates an idyllic setting for the Inn.

David Watkins

Castle House is especially well-known for its fine food and excellent wines served in the Castle House Restaurant. The emphasis is on local ingredients, with some of the menu’s produce originating from hotel owner David Watkins’ Ballingham Hall Farm. It’s all inspired by the much-acclaimed talents of Head Chef, Claire Nicholls, who has been building the culinary reputation of Castle House for more than 10 years. The Castle Bar and Bistro is perfect for more informal occasions and, in warmer weather, guests can enjoy the views over the Castle Moat from The Terrace.

Castle Street, Hereford HR1 2NW T +44 (0)1432 356321 F +44 (0)1432 365909 E info@castlehse.co.uk www.castlehse.co.uk 24 Bedrooms 22

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Archie and Nicola Orr-Ewing

The King’s Head Inn is a great place for a relaxing drink or outstanding food, while its 12 attractive bedrooms make it an excellent place to stay if you are looking for the finest Cotswold Bed and Breakfast. The King’s Head appears in the Michelin Pub Guide, The Good Food Guide and features on the front cover of The Good Pub Guide 2012.

The Green, Bledington, Oxfordshire OX7 6XQ T +44 (0)1608 658365 F +44 (0)1608 658902 E info@kingsheadinn.net www.kingsheadinn.net 12 Bedrooms 23

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HARWICH, ESSEX

DEDHAM, ESSEX

The Pier Hotel

milsoms

The brainchild of current owner Paul Milsom’s father, Gerald, who after visiting the great fish restaurants of America dreamt of having his own, The Pier is a harbour-side gem with 2 restaurants and sparkling champagne bar while the bedrooms designed by Geraldine Milsom have spectacular views.

Owner Paul Milsom has happy memories of this grand house; originally purchased by his grandparents in 1959, it was later sold to an insurance company. When, a few years later, the insurers ran for cover, the Milsoms gladly claimed it back.

Standing proudly on the Harwich quayside, where the Stour and Orwell meet and the fishing boats deliver their daily catch to the Hotel, The Pier is beautifully restored, with a nautical theme throughout. The Harbourside is a celebrated seafood restaurant – with amazing views – which is complemented by the Ha’Penny Brasserie on the ground floor.

Paul and his wife, Geraldine, set to work, skilfully converting the grand Victorian country house into milsoms, a stylish bar/brasserie with 15 comfortable, contemporary bedrooms.

Paul and Geraldine Milsom

The 14 individually styled en-suite bedrooms are dressed with crisp linen and fluffy towels – and many also have splendid views over the harbour. The luxurious Mayflower Suite features huge windows and telescopes through which to admire the views. So, if the wind has left your sails or you need a port to escape the storm, head for Harwich and book your berth at The Pier.

The Quay, Harwich, Essex CO12 3HH T +44 (0)1255 241212 F +44 (0)1255 551922 E pier@milsomhotels.com www.milsomhotels.com 14 Bedrooms 24

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Food at milsoms is created by Chef Director Stas Anastasiades, his influences are taken from around the world but his creative menus always use lots of local and seasonal produce and have earned an AA Rosette. Seating in the restaurant is on two levels and leads out on to a fabulous terrace and extensive manicured gardens. A huge ‘sail’ canopy and outdoor heaters make outdoor dining a reality for much of the year. And, if you can judge the quality of an Inn by the premium cars in the car park, then milsoms is up there with the best.

Stratford Road, Dedham, Colchester, Essex CO7 6HW T +44 (0)1206 322795 F +44 (0)1206 323689 E milsoms@milsomhotels.com www.milsomhotels.com 15 Bedrooms 25

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HORNDON-ON-THE-HILL, ESSEX

The Bell Inn

The

John and Christine Vereker

The Bell Inn has something of a chequered early history. Built in 1553 on a local high point, from where you can see the Thames, the low point of the Inn’s history was the burning of the Lord of the Manor for heresy!

Greatof Inns Britain We welcome you to join in our twitter and facebook community! We welcome you to join in our lively and friendly and open discussions about our passion for great food, wonderful wine, gorgeous rooms, the beautiful English countryside, country pursuits, special gourmet or wine-tasting events and all the other things you might associate with The Great Inns.

In the middle ages pilgrims and wool merchants would stay here until low water, when they could cross the river at Higham’s Causeway - although whether or not some of those early travellers would now recognise the 5 magnificent suites is a moot point. They may well recognise the names of the bedrooms, though – all famous mistresses in history whose personalities are reflected in the rooms’ lavish and witty decor. The building’s impressive architecture includes the courtyard (awash with magnificent flowers in the summer), balcony and archway entrance. Renowned as a ‘real social centre of village life’, The Bell has a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere; the bars, with oak panelling, flagstone floors and an open fire, serve a wide selection of well-kept real ales and fantastic wines, while the impressive menu frequently features local and seasonal produce.

Also, be sure to keep visiting our website www.greatinns.co.uk to keep-up-to-date with the Inns’ latest news, special offers and events. Our regular themed campaigns highlight specific aspects of each of The Great Inns that might be of particular interest to you, such as their proximity to places of cultural interest, seasonal menus, great walks or suitability as bases for fishing and shooting. twitter.com/TheGreatInns facebook.com/TheGreatInns

Yorke Arms

Shibden Mill Inn

Castle House Hotel

High Road, Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex SS17 8LD T +44 (0)1375 642463 F +44 (0)1375 361611 E info@bell-inn.co.uk www.bell-inn.co.uk 16 Bedrooms 26

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a story to tell discover europe,s finest traditional accommodation, culture and cuisine. Historic Hotels of Europe invite you to realise your dreams by introducing you to the finest selection of castles, manors, historic hotels, country houses and restaurants throughout Europe. All the properties reflect a diversity of style giving you a unique experience and flavour of their country’s traditional hospitality combined with elegant accommodation and fine cuisine.

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heritage.hotels@heritage.pt www.heritage.pt

DENMARK

PORTUGAL

HISTORIC HOTELS DENMARK

POUSADAS DE PORTUGAL

info@historichotels.dk www.historichotels.dk

guest@pousadas.pt www.pousadas.pt

FRANCE

SLOVAKIA

CHÂTEAUX & HÔTELS COLLECTION sales@chateauxhotels.com

HISTORIC HOTELS OF SLOVAKIA

info@historichotelsofslovakia.com www.historichotelsofslovakia.com

www.chateauxhotels.com

GERMANY

These charming hotels portray the characteristics of individual taste, an enchanting atmosphere and discreet elegance guaranteed to beguile all guests.

HOTEIS HERITAGE LISBOA

HISTORIC HOTELS of GERMANY

CULTURE & CASTLES HISTOHOTELS HISTORIC HOTELS OF GERMANY

info@histohotels.de www.histohotels.de

SPAIN HOTELES HISTÓRICOS ESTANCIAS DE ESPAÑA

info@hoteleshistoricos.com www.hoteleshistoricos.com

SWEDEN

www.HistoricHotelsofEurope.com full members

GREECE

COUNTRYSIDE HOTELS

YADES GREEK HISTORIC HOTELS

info@countrysidehotels.se www.countrysidehotels.se

welcome@yadeshotels.gr www.yadeshotels.gr

affiliated properties

SWITZERLAND HUNGARY

SWISS HISTORIC HOTELS

HUNGARIAN CASTLE HOTELS ASSOCIATION

info@swiss-historic-hotels.com www.swiss-historic-hotels.com

info@kastelyszallodak.hu www.kastelyszallodak.hu

UNITED KINGDOM IRELAND

THE GREAT INNS OF BRITAIN

IRELAND’S BLUE BOOK

enquiries@greatinns.co.uk www.greatinns.co.uk

mail@irelandsbluebook.com www.irelandsbluebook.com

WALES ITALY

WELSH RAREBITS

ABITARE LA STORIA

info@rarebits.co.uk www.rarebits.co.uk

mailbox@abitarelastoria.it www.abitarelastoria.it

NORWAY DE HISTORISKE

HISTORIC HOTELS OF EUROPE

info@dehistoriske.no www.dehistoriske.com

info@historichotelsofeurope.com www.historichotelsofeurope.com

Welsh Rarebits is a unique collection of Wales’s best classic and contemporary hotels, chic townhouses, cosy historic inns and top restaurants with rooms.

Pick up a brochure at your Great Inns of Britain property or contact: www.rarebits.co.uk /+44 (0)1570 470785

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mail@irelandsbluebook.com

www.irelandsbluebook.com

www.rarebits.co.uk

The Great Inns of Britain The Estate Office, Ripley Castle, Ripley, Nr Harrogate HG3 3AY T +44 (0)1423 770152 F + 44 (0)1423 771745 E enquiries@greatinns.co.uk