The Fat Badger, York

At the top of narrow Petergate and tucked beside Bootham Bar, one of the city's medieval gateways, it would be hard to find a hotel that's closer to the walls. It's certainly a historic spot and therefore busy - the street is closed to daytime traffic - but everywhere is walkable, including the station, at ten minutes. The medieval walls are, literally, next door while the Minster is less than a minute's walk. Narrow Petergate, with its jumble of quirky buildings, is a popular shopping street.

By car: the hotel is 55 minutes from Leeds, 1 hour 45 mins from Manchester and 4 hours 25 mins from London. Staff can give you a discounted permit for Marygate Car Park, 5-10 minutes away.

By train: London Kings Cross to York takes around 2 hours. The hotel is a 20-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to York.

Rooms within the two tall townhouses are furnished to evoke a traditional city tavern with stripped-wood floors, dado panels, creamy or rich Georgian colours, and solid oak settles or schoolroom chairs. Jolly cushions add a contemporary touch while the small dining room is furnished as a Victorian parlour. Throughout it has a cheery, no-nonsense, workaday feel.

This is very much a pub and not a hotel; public rooms are restricted to the bar, snug and dining room; all small, if charming. Where it scores is the large rear beer garden, with its stone-flagged terraces, shaded picnic tables and summer BBQ. Staff are young and energetic and unfailingly helpful whether advising on local cafes, directions or lending umbrellas.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Beer garden
• Free Wi-Fi

Although the bedrooms aren't as atmospheric as the rest of the inn, they have a simple charm. Sparsely furnished with second-hand or vintage pieces - cast-iron bedsteads, old school desks - they make the most of their small-ish size. Thick curtains add softness, although TVs hung in awkward places can be jarring. Mainly shower-only bathrooms are a little tired.

Room types: Single, Executive Double, Superior Double, Deluxe Double

Key amenities: ensuite with shower, H2K of Harrogate toiletries, hairdryer, TV, tea and coffee facilities

This is classic pub food given a simple modern style, and at good-value prices. You might start with a tangy mix of avocado and smoked salmon with an orange dressing, followed by their signature steak and ale pie or traditional fish and chips with crushed peas. The bar offers around five local ales, plus there's a decent-choice, well-priced wine list. Breakfast options include bacon sandwiches and a full Yorkshire.

The restaurant: traditional British dishes, local ingredients, pub classics, sandwiches. Food served every day 12-9pm. Mains from £11.95.