After more than two decades, Frances and Bill Atkins have sold their cherished, creeper-covered 18th-century stone coaching inn overlooking the green in a Dales village – but fans should take heart. New owner Jonathan Turner has initiated a programme of sensitive refurbishment, but otherwise, we are assured, it is business as usual. Michelin-starred chef Mrs Atkins is still in the kitchen, John Tullett remains as general manager, the team is going nowhere, so all’s right with the world. Guests can expect the same ‘wonderful food’ and ‘friendly, efficient service’, as well as refreshed interiors. The ‘comfortable’ country-style bedrooms are a blend of traditional and contemporary furnishings. Two-storey courtyard apartments are a good option for a longer stay. All rooms have handmade treats and high-quality toiletries. A typical daily bar lunch menu runs from garden soup, via Whitby crab and Wensleydale soufflé, to fish and chips and beef fillet with portobello mushrooms, while at dinner the ‘seasonal inspirations’ menu brings such dishes as stuffed roast guineafowl, smoked tongue, borage, juniper; always a tempting vegetarian option. ‘Not cheap, but worth it.’ (Bill Wood, D and LH)