Pen-y-Dyffryn

On the last hill in Shropshire, and with uninterrupted views of the hills of North Wales, this listed Georgian rectory is run as a country hotel by Miles and Audrey Hunter. They are 'marvellous, caring' owner/managers. Even in their absence, 'standards remain high', say returning visitors this year. 'The food and service were as good as ever.' Others wrote of 'young, well-trained staff', and enjoyed the complimentary tea served on arrival. Bedrooms in the main house vary in size: the double-aspect Rector's Room is liked; Rose Room, next door, 'beautifully decorated in blue and cream', has 'just enough space'. Each of the four 'airy, well-lit' rooms in the coach house has a patio leading to the garden with its 'lovely views'; they are popular with visitors with dogs. The chef, David Morris, uses local organic ingredients for his 'excellent' daily-changing menu, eg, spiced parsnip and apple soup; rare breed pork loin with Shropshire Blue cheese sauce and quince jelly. Breakfast has DIY fresh orange juice, organic porridge, pancakes with cherries, 'excellent full English'. 'A nice touch is a daily page with the weather forecast and suggestions of things to do.' Good walking from the door. (Dan and Beverley Allen, and others)