‘Our very special place, where we love to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside,’ writes a reader this year, signing off with a smiley emoji. And there is much to smile about at Louise Dinnes’s Victorian pub-with-rooms in an Eden valley conservation village. ‘Fabulous individual accommodation’ ranges from glamping tents to a four-poster suite with feature bathroom, double-ended roll-top bath, walk-in shower. Some rooms are cottage style, some contemporary; all have fresh milk, organic toiletries. Dog-friendly rooms have separate access. There is great praise for the ‘welcoming, friendly and helpful staff’, especially manager Selina Procter. You can relax in bars or lounge, with open fire, stuffed animals, clocks and curios, or drink cask ales in the riverside garden while watching the red squirrels. But the highlight is Scott Fairweather’s ‘most delicious’ modern cooking, his skilful use of local ingredients in such dishes as rump and shoulder of lamb, white beans, beetroot, goat’s curd, sage; cod loin, artichokes, mussel and almond vinaigrette; simple fish and chips. In the morning wake up to ‘the best breakfast you could ever enjoy. We can’t wait to visit again.’