‘Here’s a taste of Cotswold heritage: mullioned windows, beamed ceilings, flagstone floors, the sweet smell of wood smoke.’ Guide inspectors this year were impressed by this ‘well-managed hotel with a wonderful atmosphere’. ‘Full marks, too, for the attentive staff.’ Part of the small Cotswold Inns and Hotels group, the 18th-century inn has a series of log fire-warmed lounges that are just the spot for board games, afternoon teas and pre-dinner drinks. Modern, country-style bedrooms are decorated with antique furnishings. ‘Our well-proportioned ground-floor room had striking wallpaper, a huge bed, a compact bathroom. A capsule coffee machine and home-made cookies had been supplied; shame about the captive hangers. The windows faced a pavement so we had to draw the curtains – fine in November, but I’d ask to be put upstairs in the summer.’ Eat informally in the walled garden, lounges or bar; in the restaurant, ‘beautifully presented’ modern dishes might include ‘stand-out sea bream’ and ‘a memorable lobster ravioli’. At breakfast: freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juices, a tasty fruit compote, ‘excellent bacon and sausage’. (Mary Coles, and others)