‘Everything about Judges smacked of class and excellence.’ Readers this year loved this smart hotel on the edge of the North Yorkshire moors. Built as a family residence in 1881, and surrounded by mature gardens, it served in the 1970s as lodgings for circuit judges. Today it is run for the Downs family by the ‘charming, humorous’ manager, Tim Howard, and his ‘attentive, friendly, courteous’ staff. ‘We particularly liked the way the receptionist came to the door when we got back each evening, to welcome us “home”.’ Afternoon tea is served by the fire in the elegant lounge. Bedrooms, some with whirlpool bath, have a sleigh bed or four-poster, rich fabrics, complimentary fruit and sherry. New chef David McBride uses produce from local suppliers and the walled kitchen garden in such ‘sensational’ dishes as Yorkshire lamb rump, pommes purée, garden peas, anchovy, salsa verde, cherry tomatoes, rosemary jus. There are also vegan and vegetarian menus, and one with simpler fare (salads, pastas, burgers). ‘Lunch, dinner and breakfast were delicious.’ ‘Our stay was sublime.’ (Robert Senior, Glynne Davies, Anne Cooling)