The George

'Everyone is welcoming' at this busy 16th-century coaching inn in what Walter Scott called 'the finest stone town in England'. Owned by Lawrence Hoskins and managed by Chris Pitman (also executive chef), it is 'a warren of public rooms, winding corridors, nooks and crannies'. 'Room very comfy, dinner excellent,' one guest wrote. 'We were very happy when we stayed here.' An earlier visitor told of 'sterling qualities and excellent staff'. The old-style values are appreciated: nocturnal shoe clean, early morning tea delivered to the room ('what a treat these days'). The formal, oak-panelled restaurant has a dress code at night (though T-shirts have been spotted at lunchtime). The menu is 'traditional with international ideas', eg, crab and avocado salad; sirloin of beef, carved at the table; dessert from the trolley. A visitor this year thought lunch 'ordinary', the service 'eager but lacking efficiency'. Informal dining is available in the Garden Room, and meals are served on warm days in a 'nice courtyard with plants'. There are good flower arrangements in the lounges, which have creaking floorboards, antique panelling, log fires, mullioned windows. A courtyard bedroom was 'nicely furnished, modern; space for everything; well-equipped bathroom with power shower and bath'. An upstairs room had 'French-style furniture, potted plants, and a pleasing view'. (Mary Milne-Day, and others)