Philipburn Country House Hotel

Former 18th century dowager house Philpburn became a hotel in 1972 & was taken over by the Booys family in 2004. With a small outdoor pool & attractive lawn for pre-dinner drinks, it’s an engaging establishment. Diners can choose from a bistro space for informal meals or an adjoining area where menu & service aim at more elevated standards. The former offers grills, steaks & scampi’n’chips (& a busy carvery on Sundays); the latter serves the likes of asparagus with sun-dried tomato couscous to start, top-notch baked wild sea trout with Cajun spices at main, & a selection of pleasing desserts. The wine list is affordable & fun. Philipburn won’t alienate the locals by pushing any culinary boundaries but the overall experience makes it a great stop.