The Brownlow Arms

The bar of this 19th-century ironstone and limestone village pub-with-rooms is reassuringly cosy and welcoming, with wing armchairs, antique settles, warm lighting, and Farrow and Ball palette. Warmth comes from both the log fire and the much-loved landlady, Lorraine Willoughby, who owns and runs the pub with her husband, Paul, and who readers say is the life and soul of the place. The bedrooms are attractive and 'very comfortable', with antique furniture, complimentary biscuits and bottled water, and modern bathrooms with drench showers. Everything is 'spotlessly clean'. In the restaurant, the menus are more high end than pub grub, with dishes such as ‘excellent cheese soufflé’, beef, Guinness and mushroom pie, or wild mushroom and parmesan tortellini. On fine days, eat outside on the terrace and enjoy the rural setting. ‘Breakfast was particularly good.’ The conservation village, formerly part of the Brownlow estate, sits atop an escarpment with views over the Trent and Belvoir vales. Readers love it: ‘Excellent accommodation and wonderful meals in a very interesting setting.' ‘Highly recommended.’ 'Friendly service and good food.' (Patrick Mason, M Lampert, RG, M and R M-D, and others)