The Duncombe Arms, Ellastone, Peak District

The pub sits right by the roadside in the small village of Ellastone, on the bus route between Derby and Uttoxeter. The surrounding area, straddling the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border, is prettily pastoral, and there are some fabulous far-reaching views to be had if you approach from the northwest, across the moorlands. Ashbourne (good for antique shops) is five miles away, and it's just a ten-minute drive to the thrilling rides of Alton Towers.

By car: The Three Horseshoes is 1 hour 20 mins from Sheffield, 1 hour 30 mins from Manchester and 3 hours 15 mins from London. There is free parking on-site.

By train: London Euston to Stoke-on-Trent takes 1 hour 30 mins. The hotel is a 30-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Stoke-on-Trent.

The look is traditional pub-gone-rustic chic, with thick wooden beams and flagged floors, tongue-and-grove panelling and sheepskins draped over the backs of chairs. There's a nice choice of little nooks and crannies to sit in - everyone finds their own favourite spot, but Johnny's Bar feels particularly cosy.

It's a pub with rooms, so you wouldn't expect (and don't get) full hotel-style facilities. There are thoughtful touches throughout, though, like a chest full of throws to wrap around you if you're sitting out on a chilly night and a stand of umbrellas, just in case it's raining on your short walk back to the rooms.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Beer garden
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Whichever of the bedrooms you're in, you won't feel cheated - they're all a good size and all kitted out to the same high standard. There are Farrow and Ball paints on the woodwork, Fired Earth tiles in the bathrooms and luxurious fabrics and wallpapers from GP & J Baker, suppliers to the royal household.

Room types: Deluxe Double Rooms, Junior Suites

Key amenities: ensuite with Bamford soaps, bathrobes, smart TV, DAB radio, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

The pub is buzzing come dinner time, and no wonder. The food is excellent - well cooked, well seasoned and prettily plated - and the menu features a crowd-pleasing combination of pub classics and more adventurous modern British dishes. Breakfast is good, too, with a choice of cooked to order dishes from avocado on sourdough to a full fry-up.

The restaurant: adventurous modern British dishes, pub classics, award-winning food, Sunday roasts. Open every day for lunch and dinner. Breakfast 8-9.30am Monday to Friday and 8.30-10am on Saturday & Sunday.