'A special little hotel in a wonderfully quirky town', this hilltop Georgian coaching inn a mile from the Welsh border stands on the bailey of a medieval castle built for the Bishops of Hereford. Its easy-going professionalism, 'welcoming staff, comfortable rooms, good food' and dog-friendly nature make it a firm favourite with readers. Hospitality is second nature for proprietor Henry Hunter, whose family own Pen-Y-Dyffryn (see Oswestry). Service is excellent. Staff 'produced sandwiches for a walk without notice one morning' and there is 'great information on local walks'. Bedrooms include singles, twins, doubles (some with in-room bath) and family rooms. 'Our wonderful courtyard room had a private courtyard and a large bathroom.' The style is traditional, characterful, with an emphasis on comfort. For a longer stay, pack your trunk and 'try the Gate House for more spacious rooms and luxurious bathrooms', in former stables that housed displaced circus elephants in WW2. Gastropub fare, served all day in the bar, restaurant, and under the pergola, features dishes such as surf and turf, duck breast or sea bass, with vegan and vegetarian items (lentil shepherd’s pie, vegetable tagine), and 'fabulous' ales from the nearby Three Tuns Brewery. ‘Service, food and drink are good and varied, with much local produce, including breakfast kippers.’ ‘The perfect base for exploring this beautiful area.’ (Stephen and Pauline Glover, David Hoggett, Kathryn Clark, and others)