Archangel, Frome, Somerset

Right in the centre of the old market town of Frome, this coaching inn is close to cafés, restaurants and the shopping haven of Catherine Hill, with its string of independent boutiques. The town's thriving monthly independent market also takes place just a few steps away. Bath is half an hour's drive, Longleat is 15 minutes. Close by is vegetarian-friendly The Garden Cafe, the popular Fat Radish restaurant and craft beer bar Brewed Boy. Kids will love Longleat's safari.

By car: 1 hour from Bristol, 2 hours 30 minutes from London and 4 hours from Manchester.

By train: direct trains run to Trowbridge from Bristol Temple Meads (30 minutes), Cardiff Central (1 hour 30 minutes) and Portsmouth Harbour (1 hour 40 minutes). The hotel is around a 20-minute taxi ride from Trowbridge. Book trains to Bristol Temple Meads.

The original inn, which dates from 1311, features stone fireplaces, heavy flagstones and exposed brickwork. It has expanded into the surrounding buildings via a glass corridor. Further back, more glass creates a mezzanine dining area that seems to float in the middle of a double-height stone room. There is a patio beer garden too.

It is a good idea to let the hotel know roughly when you are expected to arrive. In the dining room, waiting staff are experienced and run proceedings smoothly, even on a busy weekend. Parking is in a public car park nearby. Room service is available but there are no other facilities, save the bar and restaurant.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

The ten bedrooms are painted in dark, sultry shades, with the occasional celestial mural and furnished with dark wood and ornate metallic finishes. The inn's historic features mean you should expect occasionally low wooden beams or tight, winding staircases to rooms. Bathrooms steer away from matching suites, with roll-top baths in Indulgent and Feature rooms.

Room types: The Indulgent, The Feature, The Classic

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

Dinners are a hearty affair, with big portions and satisfying flavour combinations. Alongside standard pub classics, the menu also has some more refined dishes featuring high quality locally-reared meat, with a vegetarian option or two. Roasts are a big deal on Sundays. The long, late-night bar is a big draw for local revellers as well as guests and is well-stocked with spirits.

Restaurant: buzzing, arty, modern British cuisine, local, seasonal produce. Open Wed-Fri 2-2.30pm and 6-9.30pm, Sat 12-9.30pm, Sun 12-4pm. Mains from £12.50.