The Bay Horse

In a 'stunning position' on Morecambe Bay, where 'the tides race in and out', this old inn was once a staging post for coaches crossing the sands. It has many devotees, who admire the 'effortless charm' of owner/chef Robert Lyons and manageress Lesley Wheeler: they 'care for their guests in a no-fuss way'. Inspectors agreed: 'Exemplary welcome; help with luggage, offer of tea.' The small, simple bedrooms might be 'in the best of time warps' (chintzy curtains, etc), but 'why change what you do well?' Other visitors were less tolerant ('overpriced and over-fussy'). 'The staff and service were excellent,' said another reader. 'They didn't mind bringing tea to the bedroom, though we would prefer to have tea/coffee-making in the room.' Drinks in the bar (a popular local) at 7.30 pm precede dinner at 8 in the panoramic conservatory restaurant. Ms Wheeler tells us that they have introduced a fixed-price menu (£22 for two courses, £28 for three) alongside the seasonal carte. Sample dishes: butter mushrooms, tomato, cream and brandy sauce; smoked haddock, prawn and leek pie. 'Watching the tide as you dine is such fun.' Breakfast (no buffet) has fruit, good cooked dishes, leaf tea, 'nothing packaged'. (Lynn Wildgoose, and others)