The Star Inn

A 'proud' Yorkshireman (he grew up in Whitby), Andrew Pern 'pays homage to his roots' at this thatched medieval longhouse in a village near Helmsley. He runs it as a restaurant-with-rooms (Michelin-starred) with his wife, Jacquie (front-of-house). 'A truly superb evening' was enjoyed by visitors this year. The 'excellent' seasonal menu, served in the restaurant, bar or alfresco in the garden, identifies the suppliers for dishes like risotto of wild mushrooms, Hawes Wensleydale salad; loin of Leckenby's lamb, creamed Lowna goat's cheese, Sand Hutton asparagus. Many vegetables and herbs come from the garden; fish is from Whitby. There is an open-plan, split-level lounge. The decor is rustic/modern in the bedrooms in Cross House Lodge opposite (which has an 'opulent' sitting room with honesty bar). All rooms have TV, CD/DVD-player, home-made biscuits, fruit and fudge; one has a bath in the bedroom, several have a shower big enough for two. Breakfast can be taken round a huge table in the Wheelhouse below, or as a 'picnic' in the bedroom. Other accommodation is in a four-bedroom farmhouse and in Black Eagle Cottage: 'beautifully furnished', this has three interconnected suites. 'We cooked breakfast ourselves from an amazing supply of Star/Yorkshire produce; we were also given a tuck-shop basket.' (Jon Hughes, and others)