‘Old-fashioned in style and lovely for it.’ Returning guests this year were pleased to discover that Peter Wharton’s ‘splendid’ hotel overlooking Lyme Bay ‘sails gracefully on, without feeling the need to change things for the sake of change’. The ‘very helpful, attentive’ staff ‘maintain all its high standards’. ‘Beautifully clean’, the public rooms are ‘very comfortable’; ‘the decor is in keeping with the hotel’s style (though the red floral carpet throughout was rather a shock).’ ‘Our town room was not so large but fine, with quality sheets and blankets – what a pleasant change – and a modern bathroom.’ The best rooms (‘very grand’) have large bay windows offering ‘wonderful sea views’. Chef Martin Osedo’s ‘inviting’ menu, including such dishes as steamed paupiette of lemon sole, salmon mousse, lemon couscous, fish cream, is ‘flawlessly served’ in the dining room, where ‘a convivial atmosphere pervades’. ‘It is so special to return to the room after dinner to find it tidied, curtains drawn and bed turned down.’ Breakfast, served at the table, is ‘extensive’: full English, an omelette, kipper, yogurt, freshly squeezed juices’. (Max Lickfold, Trevor Lockwood, and others)