In the maze of Shrewsbury's medieval streets, amid Housman's steepled vision, Cromwells Hotel, Restaurant and Bar provides hospitality in large measures, with a lively bar, atmospheric oak-panelled restaurant, buzzing walled patio and quirky bedrooms, they have real variety under one roof. The bedrooms are splendid, all six of them, they are individually and tastefully decorated, though the overall comfort level is consistently high.

The county town of Shropshire, Shrewsbury is an unspoilt, unrushed and tranquil place. It is packed with listed buildings situated on some very strange place names such as Dogpole and Mardol, Gullet Passage and Grope Lane, it only takes a little exploration on foot to reveal the delights of this medieval town.

Look out for guided walking and ghost tours through the shuts and passages, the unique maze of narrow alleys which criss-cross the town centre, and the many fine ecclesiastical buildings, castles and ruined abbeys as reminders of its medieval spiritual past.

Whilst Shrewsbury has not scaled the heights of Ludlow's Michelin-starred enclave, you can enjoy fine seasonal cuisine with dishes prepared from traditionally produced local ingredients at the height of their flavour, and its lively, atmospheric bar serves Shropshire real ales, Herefordshire cider and a selection of wines from around the world; the bar is much-favoured by locals and visitors alike.

The menu offers an interesting selection and changes frequently; starters could include poached salmon with olive tapenade and tomato salsa, mussels steamed in white wine with shallots and garlic, seared mozzarella salad with wild thyme honey and fresh fig and leaves or succulent prawns in a brandy Marie Rose dressing.

The steaks there are excellent, using only the finest English beef from local herds and grilled to perfection and you could try either the rib eye or sirloin, all with a variety of toppings such as green peppercorn, red wine and cream sauce or fresh herb and garlic butter.

There are also some very good Shropshire specials such as shepherd's pie with ground lamb and beef baked with carrots, onions, tomato and thyme; traditional faggots with red onion gravy and Shropshire blue mash or the mint marinated rump of lamb on a bed of roasted vegetables, served pink.

Typical main courses could consist of a half a roasted chicken served in bacon and farmhouse vegetable casserole or homemade char grilled burger with spicy tomato relish, red onions, crispy bacon and dill pickle. Vegetarians should be pleased to find a Moroccan casserole, spiced veggies and beans in rich, fruity and aromatic sauce on a zesty cous cous or wild mushrooms penne pasta with garlic, shallots, toasted pine nuts and crème fraîche.

However, leave room for their puddings as they are renowned, and who could possibly resist their fresh fruit crumble served with vanilla ice cream and custard; sticky toffee pudding with double cream or white chocolate cheesecake with Baileys and served with ice cream.

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