Grosvenor Arms

Although part of a small chain, this substantial building still retains plenty of individuality, and friendly staff engender a welcoming atmosphere. Spacious cream-painted areas are sectioned by big knocked-through arches with a variety of wood, quarry tile, flagstone and black and white tiled floor finishes - some richly coloured turkey rugs look well against these natural materials. Good solid pieces of traditional furniture, plenty of interesting pictures and attractive lighting keep it all intimate enough. A big panelled library room has tall bookshelves lining one wall, and a handsomely boarded floor; good selection of board games. Lovely on summer evenings, the airy terracotta-floored conservatory has lots of gigantic low-hanging flowering baskets and chunky pale wood garden furniture. This opens out to a large elegant suntrap terrace, and a neat lawn with picnic-sets, young trees and a characterful old tractor. Attentive staff dispense a very wide array of drinks from a fine-looking bar counter, including 20 wines by the glass, an impressive range of over 80 whiskies, distinctive soft drinks such as peach and elderflower cordial and Willington Fruit Farm pressed apple juice, as well as five real ales including Brunning & Price Original (brewed for them by Phoenix) and Deuchars IPA and guests such as Moorhouses Pride of Pendle and Red Willow Headless; more reports please.