Situated on the outskirts of York close to the racecourse, this Queen Anne mansion is one of city’s most glamorous country house hotels. Inside, the marbled entrance hall, sweeping staircase and panelled dining room all speak of landed English gentry, while the kitchen sets out its stall with some sharp contemporary cooking in the shape of mackerel tartare with Granny Smith apple, beetroot and radish or a ‘compression’ of duck with Yorkshire rhubarb gingerbread and orange. Mains generally include some Yorkshire Dales beef – otherwise expect wild duck, roast partridge or pan-fried fillet of stone bass with Jerusalem artichokes, crosnes and wild mushrooms. To finish, you might fancy a punt on semi-frozen lemon meringue or hot blood orange soufflé with orange, grapefruit and Campari. Lunches are excellent value, and the chandeliered drawing room makes a gracious setting for afternoon tea.