The stunning Georgian coaching inn lies in the heart of the hilltop town of Shaftesbury, a stone’s throw from the iconic Gold Hill, made famous by a certain Hovis ad, looking out across the beautiful Blackmore Vale.

Owned by the Stay Original Company, The Grosvenor Arms is all muted colours and good taste, a combo of tradition and contemporary style, with an elegant restaurant, bar (where you can sink into leather armchairs by an open fire), cafe/pizzeria, conservatory and courtyard on the ground floor and 16 boutique rooms (where dogs are welcome) above.

Executive Chef Tom Blake is all about provenance – his network of West Country producers is second to none – the changing seasons and, above all, taste. The food is fabulous, with an assortment of menus: breakfast, lunch and evening; afternoon; Sunday; children’s; all day wood-fired pizzas; plus hot and cold snacks. The drinks are pretty good too, with an extensive wine list and local ales.

The 16 bedrooms – doubles, suites with balconies, free standing baths, supersized showers and Ubiety bath and body products – are all en suite and have large and comfy beds, Dualit espresso machines, flat screen TV and WiFi. They’ll put in extra beds or a cot for children in some of the rooms if you wish.

Loads to do around about, with independent shops and a couple of museums in Shaftesbury, numerous castles and National Trust properties nearby and great walking and riding all around.

Keep an eye out for their regular talks on travel, writing, health, fashion and more by interesting people.

Pop in for delicious goodies from sister restaurant At the Chapel’s pop-up bakery every Saturday 9am–3pm.

Parking? For cars, close by and for those arriving by plane, much the same: Compton Abbas Airfield is just up the road.