The Corner House, Minster, Kent

The Corner House is set in a tastefully renovated 350-year-old building in the heart of historic Minster, home to a functioning Benedictine Monastery, a pretty 12th-century church and attractive shops and cafés. London is an hour and a half's drive and train ride away while the coastal towns of Ramsgate and Sandwich are about ten minutes away. Gourmets should check out the Michelin-star dining in the miniature Stark in Broadstairs while golfers should head for Sandwich and its famous courses.

By car: The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Ramsgate, half an hour from Dover or Canterbury and 2 hours 15 minutes from London. There is free parking for guests.

By train: London Charing Cross to Minster takes 2 hours. The station is a short walk from the hotel. Book trains to Minster.

As you enter the Corner House, the intimate, low-lit bar clustered around an ancient stone fireplace feels immediately warm and reassuringly pub-like. The dining area is equally welcoming, with rustic wooden tables and soft grey woodwork complementing exposed brick walls hung with local artwork.

The polite, attentive and genuine service makes staying here easy. There's free parking to the rear of the property which, being at the heart of Minster, means many guests don't even look at their cars until it's time to return home.

• Cosy bar
• Restaurant

• Garden

• Breakfast in bed
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The names of the two bedrooms reflect the views they afford over Minster's key sites: the Abbey Room and Steeple Room. Both are simply decorated but benefit from large, comfy beds and spacious bathrooms stocked with toiletries. We appreciated the artisan Garage Coffee and Clippers Tea bags that were provided, along with fresh milk in the fridge.

Room types: The Steeple Room, The Abbey Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, king size bed, tea and coffee-making facilities, desk, TV, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi

Sworder's kitchen brigade cook with passion, flair and generosity. As with his sister restaurant in Canterbury, sharing boards and dishes feature prominently, with a fall-apart slow braised shoulder of Romney Marsh lamb serving up to four guests and the desert sharing board ample for two. Add thoughtful local wine pairing, and you have unfettered deliciousness.

The Corner House: seasonal menus, Kent produce, British and European inspired dishes. Sunday roasts. Open for dinner, Friday and Saturday 6-9pm. Saturday lunch 12-2.30pm, Sunday lunch 12-4pm. Mains from £15.