It’s the friendly, laid-back atmosphere of this boutique hotel, along with its immaculate and stylish decoration, that impresses as soon as you enter. A sensitive new build of 2016, it stands on the site of an old inn just outside the pretty riverside village of Hurley, within easy reach of the capital and with perfect terraces for outdoor dining. Inside, the ten country-chic bedrooms in delicate shades of pale grey are spotless, with a cosy feel that’s enhanced by floorboards, beams, blankets and fresh flowers. All abound with little luxuries, some have freestanding roll-top baths, and one Superior Room has its own patio. But what really makes Hurley House tick is the superb cooking, with a new Japanese menu that’s second to none in Berkshire (think miso-roasted cod with steamed rice and pickled ginger or teriyaki steak baguettes – simply divine), complemented by signature international dishes. You can eat in the rustic bar or in the restaurant, which are each tastefully done up in granite, leather, oak and natural brick.

Doubles from £190

+44 (0)1628 568500; hurleyhouse.co.uk

Hurley House