Pentonbridge Inn

The lonely setting of this former coaching inn, half a mile from the Scottish border, belies its chic bedrooms and creative cooking. Gerald and Margo Smith have created a stylish interior – slate floors, tweedy fabrics, modern art – in a traditional pub without eroding its character. In the kitchen, Chris Archer, with The Cottage in the Wood, Braithwaite, pedigree (see entry), conjures beautiful flavours from seasonal produce. Much comes from the Smiths’ walled garden at nearby Netherby Hall. Orkney scallop with pickled kohlrabi and garden pea gazpacho could be followed by Cartmel valley beef with roasted carrot and bone-marrow sauce. Bedrooms – some in the converted barn with high ceilings and exposed beams, others up a swanky glass-banister staircase – are contemporary country, with tartan throws and headboards, rustic wooden cladding and ‘wonderful’ designer bathroom. Thoughtful touches include flowers and home-made shortbread, while ‘stunning views’ stretch over the countryside to Cumbria or Scotland. Breakfast in the conservatory – with more views – includes freshly squeezed juice, omelettes, and avocado and ‘perfect’ poached eggs. (SS)