Southernhay House

The supremely elegant porticoed entrance of this Grade II listed Georgian town house is a hint that Southernhay offers a sophisticated and individual take on a city centre hotel. Owners Deborah Clark and Tony Orchard have created an elegant but unstuffy atmosphere, combining original features with sleek, modern decor. Soft Farrow & Ball colours, quirky antiques and designer furniture give a low-key luxurious feel. ‘For such a stylish hotel,’ comments our inspector, ‘the warmth was unusually welcoming.’ Bedrooms are uncluttered spaces with large sash windows overlooking gardens, hand-made beds and a mix of antique and modern furnishings. A swish new apartment is more minimalist. Bathrooms are contemporary; smaller rooms are shower only, larger ones have roll-top baths. Evenings kick off with a drink in the classy cocktail bar, recently extended with a glass pavilion. Dinner includes reliable classics such as Devon rib-eye steak as well as lighter dishes such as fresh tagliatelle with prawns. ‘Beautifully presented’ breakfasts range from eggs and field mushrooms to buttermilk pancakes and the full grill.