The White Swan Inn

Immaculate presentation is not the only thing that makes this hotel stand out. The White Swan Inn is one of just five UK restaurants supplied by the Ginger Pig - voted National Food Producer of the Year 2005 - and the only one outside London. Salivate at the same lamb as at The River Café, or the same calves liver as at Fergus Henderson's St John's of Smithfield.

The talented Buchanans have exceptional skills. Deidre - one of the first Dames de la Jurade de Saint Emilion - has stocked the wine cellar unusually well, with clarets back to 1934 and an outstanding range of Saint Emilion. They haven't overlooked a warming selection of malt whiskies and well-kept Yorkshire ales, either.

Londoners come for the racing, especially in August for York's Ebor Festival. Many others game shoot on local estates. Others return for the bright smiles and coaxing smells; to name but a few of the White Swan's charms.