Pentonbridge Inn

Less than a mile from Liddle Water, whose meandering course marks the England-Scotland border, and a couple of miles west of Kielder Forest Park, the Pentonbridge Inn has a reputation for serving well-presented, flavourful British food that warrants an overnight stay. The inn has nine elegant bedrooms divided between the main original building and a converted barn that is connected to the hotel.  Their décor makes use of tweed, wood and slate to reinforce its Cumbrian countryside location. Cushioned seats on window ledges in some of the rooms offer views of the surrounding landscape, and Egyptian cotton bedding and modern bathroom fittings bring a hint of luxury. It’s nice to know also that dogs are welcome in the three barn rooms, and receive a bowl and bed to go with the edible treats left for their lucky owners.

Each of the bedrooms bears the name of a local family – border folk or 'reivers' who used to rustle livestock and conduct cross-border raids. Staying means you’re welcome to visit nearby Netherby Hall, whose owners redeveloped the Pentonbridge Inn from a country pub in which farmers would gather to catch up over a pint or two to the gourmet destination it is now.  The country house is less than ten minutes’ drive away and has a selection of beautiful self-catering accommodation, while its walled garden supplies the vegetables and herbs prepared in the inn’s highly regarded kitchen.

Back at the hotel, food is served in a chic and airy bar and dining room, with exposed honey-coloured stonework. What are you likely to eat? Locally sourced meat and fish feature on an impressive menu with imaginative suggested wine pairings, often from the New World – say, starting with shorthorn beef tartare with a rich Argentinian red followed by local Herdwick lamb with an Australian Fiano or pan-fried cod loin with a Canadian pinot noir; or you could try Whitehaven  lobster with a fresh Aussie Viognier followed by Cartmel Valley red deer with a robust red from Tuscany. They also offer a ‘signature’ ten-course tasting menu if you really want to go to town, and even the drinks are exotic – pickled martinis or milk punch vodka, anyone?