The Old Bridge

‘Lively, comfortable, informal, stylish – at the top of its game.’ There’s a ‘very special atmosphere’ at John and Julia Hoskins’s ivy-smothered Georgian town house, by the medieval bridge over the Great Ouse to Godmanchester. ‘We greatly enjoyed the buzz that the hotel has from its popularity with locals.’ Staff have an ‘efficient’, ‘can-do’ attitude. ‘We were struck by John’s friendliness and warmth.’ Have a drink and a chat in the ‘cosy’ lounge and bar areas; later, relax in one of the ‘plush’ bedrooms decorated with a ‘tasteful’ mix of traditional and bold modern furnishings. Rooms facing the busy road system are triple glazed. ‘Our inviting room, with a view over the river, was quiet and comfortable.’ In the airy, ‘atmospheric’ terrace restaurant, tuck in to Jack Woolner’s ‘simple yet well-executed’ British dishes, perhaps turbot, prawn ravioli, samphire, lobster bisque. Lighter food is served all day, in the bar and lounge, or alfresco on the terrace. Breakfast is ‘equally impressive’. John Hoskins, a Master of Wine, runs a wine shop on the premises, with daily tastings. (A and BB)