Even though it was a sadly typical English May day – wet and misty – the welcome was warm at Hambelton Hall. My third visit – so must be doing something right. A small country house hotel with very helpful staff. Quiet, unassuming and attentive staff – the hotel is comfortable with itself and its guests – it knows what it’s doing and it does it well. Tea in the drawing room, a short wet walk around the lovely garden – not being shown to its full glory – umbrellas and green wellies (in various sizes) by the front door assist. An intermediate room – not large but well designed, comfortable and really just right. All the things you would expect and home made biscuits in a tin on the bedside table. Bathroom – Penhaligon toiletries – again compact but all you need and a good full size bath with shower over. Pre-dinner drinks back in the drawing room – and a personal welcome and chat from Tim Hart. Dinner as always was superb – see my blog or Facebook for a photo of the tasting menu – good ingredients intelligently combined creating a wonderful dinner. Paired wine was also a winner – the sommelier was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Service was again discreet but friendly. Coffee and up the stairs to bed! Breakfast in the dining room until 9.30am but available as room service is available until much later! Had a full breakfast in the dining room – calm and civilized! The Tim Hart empire grows with the bakery click here, Harts Nottingham and the famous Quo Vadis in Soho, London

Bedroom – Bay – with view over the lake