Old Hall Hotel

The food would bring me back on its own. Before the ball, I had the wild mushroom dish with a poached egg. The runny yolk worked brilliantly with everything, and I crushed the roasted garlic cloves, which fell apart easily, into the smooth potatoes with my fork. The flavours came together beautifully. I returned for lunch before my afternoon train after sleeping through breakfast, and the sea bass was five stars: tender fish, crisp skin, and salt, capers and samphire balanced just right with the potatoes I'd crushed with my fork. The cooking was better than at many fine dining restaurants in London. The portions were generous, which I loved. Even though I'm small, I like a hearty meal, and quality restaurants often serve half as much and leave me wanting more. Please keep the portions as they are. I also risked my gluten intolerance for the crumble, and enjoyed it hot. The sweet crumble went well with tart apple, and the custard was gently sweet rather than too much. If I had to pick at it, I'd want smaller apple pieces so I didn't need to cut them with a spoon, and more blackberry. It was mostly apple with only a little blackberry, though the extra juice could be soaked up by the crumble. If the same person made it, they've got a good palate. The service was five-star too. Everyone, from reception to the bar and restaurant, was friendly and helpful. I arrived early and spent a few hours sewing my gown in the cosy lounge. It's a down-to-earth old hotel, with a shutter-style lift that you open yourself, and a history going back to the 1500s tied to Mary, Queen of Scots. I booked it as the cheapest option in Buxton for a Victorian ball at the Crescent, expecting little, then realised it was right beside the venue and a seven-minute walk from the station. I was given a huge double, Room 31 on the second floor, although I'd booked a twin. There was no view, just the side of the building, and a crack in the bathroom wall, but the spacious room, cosy feel and standalone bath made up for those things. It came with a kettle, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and good biscuits. When I asked for a couple more, the helpful receptionist let me choose from a box. I'd never had that extra service even at a five-star hotel. After late nights sewing, I didn't sleep at all the night before the ball. When it ended I was so exhausted that I had a bath and fell asleep across the bed, without even setting an alarm for the included breakfast. Reception called my room after checkout at 11:30, and I had to pack in a rush. Without my advance train ticket, I'd have stayed another night. The portions and cooking tick all my boxes, and I'd return for sure.