The Pheasant Hotel Hotel

Harome, Near Helmsley, North Yorkshire

In the tiny village of Harome, The Pheasant is Andrew and Jacqueline Pern’s latest venture, an old blacksmith’s and village shop turned rural retreat. The hotel’s capable staff immediately put guests at ease, and the cosy armchairs and book-laden shelves in the lounge make a fine place to pass a lazy afternoon. Quality ingredients shine in head chef Peter Neville’s refined and innovative menus. Seafood and game regularly sit side-by-side in such dishes as roasted veal sweetbreads, beetroot, watercress and pickled clams; for dessert, the star anise crème brûlée with Comice pear poached in fruit tea is a masterpiece in confident flavour combinations. The 12 bedrooms are spacious but cosy, offering plump sofas, fridges and iPod docks.

Foodie diversion The Star Inn (thestaratharome.co.uk) – the Perns’ Michelin-starred gastropub – is down the road.

Come here for a down-to-earth country retreat with fine food in fine surroundings.

Details Doubles from £105 per person, with breakfast and set menu dinner or £30 towards à la carte.