George Hotel

Although it describes itself as a hotel, the George doesn’t feel remotely corporate or anonymous – & it’s certainly not best-behaviour formal, either. The happy buzz that greets visitors is immediate proof of the success of this cheerful, relaxed venue. A large ground-floor bar & various dining areas offer a fun mix of mismatched old furniture, bold, contemporary colours & log-burning stoves, & the menu is just as lively. The day’s dishes could take in brasserie staples such as sirloin steak or venison, but dishes of scallops with black pudding & wild mushrooms or sea bass with roasted leeks, green beans & rocket salad with pesto dressing show there’s a bit more culinary imagination at work here, too. Everything is done well, & the kitchen hits all the right ‘comfort food’ buttons.