Sutton Hall

Recently refurbished historic building set in attractive grounds; fine range of drinks and good food

Since the previous edition of the [I[Guide[I] the conversion of this splendid 16th-c baronial hall by new owners Brunning & Price has been completed, and readers have been impressed with the imaginative blend of old and new. The hall that forms the heart of the building is beautifully impressive, particularly in the entrance space. The bar is divided into separate areas by tall oak timbers, and has some antique squared oak panelling, broad flagstones and a raised open fire. Six real ales - Thwaites, Wadworth 6X and Weetwood Cheshire Cat, plus three guests such as Brains SA, St Austell Tribute and Storm Red Mist, plus several wines by the glass, are on offer. Lovely grounds have tables on a tree-sheltered lawn.

Bar food follows the usual Brunning & Price policy (the chef is given guided free rein) and include imaginative sandwiches, interestingly turned out pub staples like ploughman's and beer-battered haddock, and a few other more creative dishes, all fairly priced to reflect the good quality of the ingredients. Starters might feature japanese vegetable dumplings or hare and ham hock terrine, and there's a ‘light bites' section with items like smoked haddock and watercress tart or rump steak sandwich, as well as main courses, such as slow roast pork with apple fritters and parsnip, chicken, leek and bacon pie or smoked haddock and salmon fishcakes.