The Morritt Arms Hotel

This fine building dates from the late 17th century, when it served Carlisle- and London-bound coach travellers. Traditionally a fine-dining venue, the restaurant has been brought bang up to date with vibrant colours, a touch of black leather, comfortable armchairs, silk blinds over window seats and works by local artists. This association with art began in 1946, when local portraitist Jack Gilroy painted the mural of Dickensian characters you'll find in the bar. Here, the one AA-Rosette menu opens with seafood platter, before featuring Mediterranean vegetable risotto; Neasham pork and leek sausages; and beer-battered cod. In the restaurant, venison loin with beetroot risotto; butter-fried plaice fillets; and wild mushroom and vegetable Wellington may well appear. Major Morritt beer, named after the hotel's former owner and namesake, was introduced at the pub's first cask ale festival in 2010. En suite bedrooms help to make this a popular function and wedding choice.