Hotel Review: The New Inn, Herefordshire

Within a small hamlet, surrounded by lovely countryside but on a quite busy road, the nearest train station is at the cathedral city of Hereford. Abergavenny and the Brecon Beacons in Wales are a half-hour drive.

By car: 1 hour 20 minutes from Birmingham, under 2 hours from Oxford and 3 hours from London. Free parking on-site.

By train: London Paddington to Hereford takes under 3 hours. The hotel is a 20-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Hereford.

This Grade II-listed building had been closed for five years before its extensive restoration. It retains plenty of character with exposed timbers, beams and uneven walls, but has plenty of contemporary touches too, with orange, green, yellow and grey chairs spicing things up in the restaurant, which is also lined with both tartan and leather banquettes. There's a lovely old wood and zinc-topped bar, earthy green walls and attractive pendant lighting.

Being essentially a gastropub, there aren't many other facilities to speak of. There's a small beer garden and free car parking. Service is efficient and friendly.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

There are just three rooms, Fox, Hound and Hare, and they are spacious and simply furnished, with a neutral décor mixing old and new, with modern furniture and a Smart TV contrasting with original beams.

Room types: Standard Room, Superior Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, bottled water, iron and ironing board, TV, free Wi-Fi

The Modern British dishes are of a really high standard (there's a simpler bar menu with burgers, steaks etc.) and there's a really good selection of drinks too - including local beers and ciders and lots of gin. There are 74 wines on the wine list, including ones from Lebanon, China and Romania.

Restaurant: 2 AA Rosettes, locally-sourced and seasonal produce. Open Wed-Sat for lunch and dinner, Sun for lunch. Tasting menu from £65pp.

Bar: open Wed-Sun from 12pm.