Banyers House, Hertfordshire

Overview

Formerly Royston's Georgian Rectory and one of the town's most iconic buildings, this Grade II listed building draws in loyal locals as well as lovers of good food and drink from further afield.

Expect an airy, easy elegance for drinkers and diners alike with striking palm leaf and wild animal wallpapers adding a touch of the eccentric and the exotic to the place. Here, quaff Fuller's or local Buntington ales, or cocktail enthusiasts should perch on a bar stools and explore the fabulous list of imaginative cocktails.

Diners can tuck into modern dishes from an all-encompassing menu in the elegant restaurant, with its smart orangery and alfresco terrace extension. The nine bedrooms are peaceful, quirky and individually decorated; all have crisp white sheets and spotless bathrooms. With a relaxing summer garden and cosy fires in winter, this is a place for all the family - and dogs can come too!

Rooms from

9 doubles: £119

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco and private dining
Weddings
Parking available
Dogs welcome overnight

Town and country
Situated within easy walking distance of the centre of Royston, Banyers House is a great option for those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of a thriving town.

Family favourite
From pizzas to a special kid's breakfast menu, children are very welcome in this family-friendly atmosphere. Activity packs are also on hand to keep little fingers busy.

No car needed
The inn is just a ten minute stroll from Royston station, so its' easily accessible for those without a car.

Rooms

The nine elegant upstairs bedrooms boast airy Georgian proportions and all have been carefully and lovingly restored.

From fun brass pineapple lamp stands to Indian-style bedside tables, every room has its own character. Painted in soft, calm hues, with original features, panelled walls and crisp white linen, rooms pop with colour from the playful cushions, lampshades and throws.

The bathrooms are all indulgent with spotless, walk-in power showers, deep tubs, fluffy towels, robes and Noble Isle toiletries. Nespresso coffee and Fairtrade teas are on tap, and with room service guests are truly spoiled by staff whose care deeply about their guests.

Restaurant & bar

Whether eating in the cosy bar, elegant restaurant or Orangery, or alfresco in summer, the crowd-pleasing menu offers something for everyone.

Enjoy classic burgers and steaks to superfood salads, or opt for 'build your own' pizzas from the wood-fired oven - where bases are tossed, twirled and topped on the open countertop. And don't miss the Sunday roasts - rump of beef with duck fat roast potatoes and horseradish sauce. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for, too. Choose from 'make your own salads' with vegan toppings and vegan sorbets and ice creams are refreshing options for long lazy summer lunches in the garden.

To drink, the long bar dispenses Fullers London Pride and local Buntingford ales, a raft of rums and boutique gins, interesting wines and plenty of bubbles, but Banyers House is a magnet for the cocktail crowd - the list of Bellini aperitifs, classic and signature cocktails is fab.

Things to do

We're big fans of Hitchin Lavender at Cadwell Farm, a fabulous visitor attraction with around 25 miles of lavender rows which you can walk through, picking your own fresh flowers as you go. There's also a 17th-century barn offering lunches and delicious homemade cakes.

History-lovers should head to Hatfield House, a stunning Jacobean house which dates back to 1611, built by Robert Cecil, first Earl of Salisbury and Chief Minister to James I. Tour the old palace and visit the farm and gardens. When in this part of the world, don't miss a day out in the historic city of Cambridge. One of Britain's finest cities and a world-famous seat of learning, Cambridge lies on the River Cam. University colleges include King's, noted for its choir and splendid Gothic chapel, and Trinity, established by Henry VIII.