The Feversham Arms

Owned by Simon and Jill Rhatigan, this former coaching inn (Small Luxury Hotels of the World) stands on the main street of a 'delightful' town ('with some wonderful pastry shops') on the edge of the North Yorkshire moors. This year, they have opened the Verbena Spa in a new poolside wing. The bedrooms in the main house vary greatly; the larger ones are much liked: 'Ours was well equipped; enormous bed, divine bedlinen.' 'Suite the best we've seen in the UK; beautifully appointed, with flat-screen TV in both rooms, and wood-burning stove in its lounge.' For families, some rooms have a sofa bed and some are interconnecting. There are 'relaxing' sitting areas and 'punctilious staff', though during a Christmas break service was 'a bit patchy'. In the high-ceilinged conservatory restaurant, chef Simon Kelly uses local produce in his modern dishes, eg, pan-roast halibut, scallops, citrus salsify. Breakfast is 'exceptional'. (BE, J and AL)