In 'England's book town', under mighty Howgill Fells on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is just the place for a drover's platter and a pint – or Korean beef, shiso and sesame with a shot of wasabi vodka. James Ratcliffe and his Düsseldorf-born Japanese partner, Nina Matsunaga, have transformed this 17th-century former coaching inn, providing 'fantastic food with an Asian twist' along with uncluttered, contemporary wood-panelled bedrooms with a soothing palette. Bathrooms are sectioned off behind glass walls but come with modesty curtains. 'Book the spacious rooms with bathrooms at the front of the inn,' recommends a reader. All rooms have bespoke Sedbergh toiletries, Cumbrian wool blankets and photographs of the area. Nina, who appeared on Great British Menu in 2024, draws inspiration from her heritage when working with locally sourced produce to create dishes such as line-caught tuna, sea vegetables, tuna dashijiru and duck egg noodles. 'The food was excellent again,' reports a returning guest. 'Haddock ravioli in cream sauce plus pheasant...' The bar has pie nights on Mondays, while Tuesdays are reserved for curry. (Oliver Thomas, and others)