‘We know what to expect when we come: outstanding food, lovely staff, a restful stay,’ writes a returning guest this year at Glynis and Simon Wood’s family-run hotel in Cumbria’s most popular village. ‘The owners’ raison d’être is to ensure that guests experience the best hospitality,’ comments another. ‘What more could you want?’ Well, a little sharper service in the dining room, say some (otherwise satisfied) Guide readers. All praise the ‘friendly welcome’, the comforts of log fires, the pleasure of a beer in the garden. ‘Really nice’ bedrooms are supplied with still and sparkling water, bathrobes, good toiletries; the best have a double-ended bath or spa bath in the bathroom. In the dining room, Stephen Collier’s ‘superb, imaginative’ modern dishes might include braised asparagus, Parmesan, duck egg, tomato essence; Herdwick lamb, pickled cabbage, seaweed, anchovy. ‘The canapés are a bonus.’ Wake to fruit smoothies on a ‘fresh, varied’ breakfast menu; fruit compotes, cereals and freshly baked croissants are accompanied by fish dishes, omelettes or Scotch pancakes with maple syrup. (Ann McEwan, Flora Marriott, Sandra Ashton, and others)