a la Colthard/The Spread Eagle Midhurst

There was something reassuring about this traditional hotel in Midhurst, West Sussex, where my room had a proper key – not a card – the service was friendly but professional and there were floral china cups.

Upon arriving last Sunday I ate smoked salmon and egg sandwiches with a glass of sauvignon blanc in the conservatory whilst reading the Sunday papers. A relaxing start.

I had invited friends for dinner where a 3 course meal cost £42.

I had a black pudding followed by cheese soufflé, both of which were delicious.

My room was small but comfortable and I slept well in it.

I wish I could be similarly complimentary about the Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon where I ate on Saturday night.

The waiter was obtrusive, the food indifferent and – had not one diner in our party not been good fun – the evening would have bordered on the disastrous.