Built by the Duke of Bedford in 1794, this rather handsome former coaching inn is now an independent boutique hotel boasting 113 individually designed rooms (including rather luxurious junior suites), a smart bar and brasserie and elegant tea rooms.

Care has been taken to mix modern design (botanical wallpapers and rich jewel colour fabrics) with the 18th-century features of the original building and it provides a stylish hub for locals wanting a chic backdrop for their coffee (or cocktail!) date and a luxurious base for visitors to the town.

The Pen & Cob British Brasserie serves freshly prepared dishes from breakfast (7am-10am) right through to dinner – the kitchen closes at 9pm. Sunday Roasts, a fab brunch menu and kids options are available as are freshly cooked pizzas, a particular treat on the hotel’s newly opened terrace overlooking the river.

Afternoon tea can be taken at Anna’s Tearoom (from £17.50 pp) and there’s a children’s option too for £8 pp should the little people want to be in on the act too.