'A friendly, proper local pub bar as well as a restaurant', this 18th-century coaching inn at the heart of the Lowther Estate is set back from the A6, with a view of fields and grazing horses, within sound of the M6. In 2022 it was burnt out, and it has been given a new look, nodding to history and heritage. Stylish bedrooms, with shower or roll-top bath, have furniture and paintings from the Lowther collection. Menus are devised using produce from the family farm and the kitchen gardens at sister hotel Askham Hall (see entry; also Queen's Head). Grilled Saddleback pork and Rough Fell hogget sit alongside fish and chips, maybe chickpea casserole, smoked mutton sausage. (Sarah Mitchell)