The Impeccable Pig, Sedgefield, Co. Durham

Located a couple of miles east of the A1, and seven miles north of Darlington, the hotel sits in the middle of the attractive village of Sedgefield, opposite the village green and church. Apart from the racecourse, it is not an obvious tourist destination, but it is peaceful, surrounded by farmland and easily accessible, and relatively close to Durham with its famous Norman castle and cathedral.

By car: The hotel is around 5 hours from London and 2 hours 30 mins from Manchester. Electric charging points are available in the car park.

By train: Trains serve either Durham or Middlesborough from London and Manchester. The hotel is then a 20-25 minute taxi ride away. Book trains.

It's big, bold and fun with a large bar/restaurant separated by a marble-topped, horseshoe-shaped bar. The overall feel is of a smart and sassy city bar with parquet flooring, big-patterned wallpapers, velvet-covered armchairs, statement lampshades, exposed brick walls and panelling, and masculine colours of green, chocolate and gold. Both drinking and eating areas are divided into smaller areas for intimacy and variety.

It is very much a pub-with-rooms so there are few hotel-style offerings. For relaxing, there are a couple of quieter areas in the bar either with Chesterfield armchairs or cosy seating around a gas fire, plus a sun-trap patio at the rear. Staff are young and cheery, and willing to help.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Garden
• Hot tub/jaccuzi
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Spread around the rear courtyard, in newly built rustic looking stabling, the 12 rooms are vast, seductive and determinedly over-the-top. Beds are huge, often elaborately carved or with floor-to-ceiling velvet headboards, colours are rich and dark and walls are covered in shimmery wallpapers or panelling.

Room types: Premier Double, Premier Double with hot tub, Premier Suite with sauna & hot tub, Master Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Duck Island toiletries, bluetooth speakers, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

A mix of bistro-style dishes and pub classics, the menu covers the popular bases from pizzas, shepherd's pie, and fish and chips to wagyu burgers, fishcakes, and steaks from the Josper grill - plus a vegan menu, too. It's decent cooking, from an open kitchen, with prompt and efficient service. An extensive drinks menu includes real ales, cocktails, a good range of gins and other spirits, and a restaurant-standard wine list.

The restaurant: modern European and British dishes, Sunday roasts, vegan options, kids' menu. Open for dinner Mon-Thurs, lunch and dinner on Fri, Sat & Sun. Mains from £14.