Hillbark Hotel

This is the best (and I think only!) five start boutique hotel in the North West - and boy; does it deliver. We were lucky enough to get married here and we take any opportunity to return. The excitement builds as you proceed along the sweeping drive through Royden Park then through the gates into the Hillbark grounds and the sight as you round the corner to the building itself is always impressive and never fails to warm the heart. There are 18 individually named rooms, ranging from classic rooms, junior suites, suites and the bridal suite. All have their own character and each seems more charming inviting than the next, with even the classic rooms being impressive. Then there is the food. Oh, the food! Chef Kevin Lynn's 12 course tasting menu is simply divine and if you are staying over (or getting an Uber - other taxi services are available; in fact, the hotel has a small array of classic and luxury cars, if you are feeling fancy), then there's a delightful wine flight to accompany this gastronomic triumph. Set this in the clandestine setting of the cellar restaurant, surrounded by the hotel's fine wines and to the atmosphere invoking tones of Graham on the piano - and it simply "wow". And it doesn't stop there - their afternoon tea is the stuff of local legend. Generous and delicious and just when you think you've had your fill of elegant sandwiches and indulgent cakes - the scones come out. And if I said the rest was generous - this applies even more so to the scones - their big and they are good. Very good. Possibly even too good (at least according to my belt buckle!). But wait - there's more! On Sunday's they do sharing roasts. This is a true feast - more food that you can shake a stick at - and you've guessed it - all of it magnificent. Top that off with a recently refurbished spa (which does an excellent massage - which can be coupled with an afternoon tea) and it's easy to see why this is the best hotel in the North West. But above all this is Amanda and the all front of house staff who work tirelessly to ensure you stay is exceptional and really help give you that lord or lady of the manor feel. We dropped by for a visit recently and it inspired me to write this. As I said, we take any excuse to visit this place - in fact, I think I'll book my next stay now.....