Heddon's Gate Hotel

Review

'Splendidly located', on the slopes of the heavily wooded Heddon valley, this small hotel is 'comfortable and quiet', say visitors this year. Its 'obliging' owners, Anne and Eddie Eyles, are 'warmly welcoming'. Formerly a Victorian hunting lodge, it has an 'amazing falling away and down garden', and an old-fashioned decor. There are stags' antlers and black leather furniture in the bar; tapestries on green walls; cases of china ornaments in the lounge. Housekeeping is 'immaculate'. A complimentary afternoon cream tea 'was very welcome after a day on Exmoor'. The daily-changing four-course menu (with limited choice) has 'mostly traditional' dishes using local produce, eg, twice-baked cheese soufflé; rib-eye of beef, roasted cherry tomatoes, whisky sauce. 'Excellent, quite sophisticated but essentially simple, and served without maddening delays.' The bedrooms vary greatly (some are large). Some are named after their original use: Grandma's ('nicely furnished', Victorian-style); Nanny's (antique stained-glass windows); Servants' Quarters (with private sitting room). Beds are turned down at night. Poor TV reception and the lack of a mobile phone signal are a 'distinct advantage' to some. A 'walker's paradise', this is 'good for dog owners'. (John and Valerie Fleming, and others)

This hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 25% discount off their normal B&B rate. Each printed copy of the Guide contains six vouchers worth in total about £150. BUY THE GUIDE