Frogg Manor

'This must rank as one of the most unusual hotels in the Guide, but it is high on the list of those we have enjoyed most.' Long-standing correspondents were 'not disappointed' this year by John Sykes's Georgian manor house hotel dedicated to frogs (he has around 300 of them, ceramic, brass, straw, etc). It may be eccentric (you might be welcomed by the host in his dressing gown) 'but it exudes a wonderful generosity of spirit which puts host and guests alike in a good mood'. There is 'a hint of an Agatha Christie whodunit' in the 'cluttered' public rooms, with their antique furniture and frogs. Background music is from the 1930s/40s. Well-equipped, if 'quirky', bedrooms are themed (Mountbatten, Brontë, Wellington, etc). 'We were upgraded to a suite; if it was over the top it was in a thoroughly tasteful way. Every possible contingency had been provided for.' The Lady Guinevere tree house in the garden has Arthurian murals. There can be noise from traffic on the Nantwich road. James Powell and Sion Newton cook 'superb, beautifully presented' food on an extensive menu (but no frogs' legs) between 7 and 10 pm in the conservatory restaurant. Continental breakfast is included in the price ('a delicious porridge with maple syrup'); other breakfast dishes are à la carte (up to £15 for full English). (Sarah and Tony Thomas, and others)