The 'special touches', 'unfailingly helpful, good-humoured, mostly local staff', and 'old-fashioned (in the best sense) ethos' are praised by visitors in 2009 to this 300-year-old inn in a 'straggling village' in the unspoilt Lyth valley. 'One of the nicest places we have stayed at for a long time,' add inspectors. The owner, Richard Rose has sympathetically restored the 'charming' building, 'combining history with contemporary taste. Muted colours; furniture eclectic, well chosen. They could have created a boutique hotel; they've chosen to fulfil a local need.' In the bar, with slate-flagged floor and traditional furniture, 'no one need be embarrassed about muddy boots or a wet collie'. The lounge has open fires, leather sofas. A free cream tea is served between 3 and 6 pm. Of the 'lovely' bedrooms, even the smaller ones 'have ample space'; 'splendid' bathrooms are well equipped (though 'lighting made shaving difficult'). 'Our large, stylishly designed room had striking wallpaper and unusual furniture. It was very comfortable.' In the 'smartly set' restaurant (leather chairs, polished floorboards), chef Jonny Watson serves a modern carte, eg, cottage pie in miniature, pickled beetroot salad; sea bass, marinated tomatoes. 'Wholesome and filling.' 'Satisfying local ingredients.' 'Terrific breakfast: freshly baked bread and croissants; local honey, jam and cheese; Manx kippers; freshly squeezed orange juice.' The village post office is operated from Reception. (Josephine and Tony Green, and others)