Much as chain hotels and restaurants can be easily disparaged as formulaic, identikit outlets serving plastic food and non-descript drinks, Individual Inns have done something rather special with their group of only five select properties.
Spread around Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria, each of their properties has been specially selected for location, character and stylish appearance.
Having been to three of the five, I can personally vouch for the high quality of the accommodation and food at each of them.
The Wheatley Arms, in the upmarket and well-heeled village of Ben Rhydding, on the outskirts of Ilkley in Wharfedale, is one such thriving example.
Stone built and looking impressive, it has a large but discreet car park to the rear.
The property itself is superbly decorated and furnished in a modern style. It has a number interconnected rooms, all with a unifying pastel colour scheme, complimenting the slate and wooden flooring. There is also a garden room with an outdoor terrace. It looks and feels like a country house, with open log fires and very comfortable furnishings.
Whatever corner you turn, into whatever cosy room you turn, there are small groups of people all doing their own thing, giving a relaxed and friendly ambience.
The central bar serves a great selection of local real ales and lagers.
Food is a mainstay of the Wheatley Arms and hosts great value steak and fish nights on Thursdays and Fridays respectively.
The a la carte menu is carefully chosen with mains from £10 to £18, always locally sourced, beautifully cooked and presented.
There is a lively programme of events to keep customers coming back, from free lager tasting, live murder-mystery theatre groups, jazz nights and special occasions like the one I attended, a Beer and Yapas (Yorkshire Tapas) evening.
This was presented by staff from the local Ilkley Brewery who gave an absorbing insight into the brewing processes and a five course taster meal of Yorkshire treats, each course accompanied by a matching beer. An eye opening and deliciously entertaining evening.
There are 12 bedrooms here, all spacious with luxury bathrooms. Some rooms have free standing baths and roof-top terraces. All are immaculately decorated with all the modern conveniences.
The staff are, without exception, friendly, efficient and a pleasure to meet.
The Wheatley Arms is well worth a visit, whether for a simple drink, great food or a longer stay in one of the attractive rooms.
With Ilkley Moor on the doorstep and great walking to be had from the doorstep, this has to be a prime contender when making a visit to the region.
The town of Ilkley is five minutes away and here there is a good collection of independent shops, and a branch of the superb Betty's Tearoom.
For further details go to www.wheatleyarms.co.uk whilst sat-navvers and Google-earthers can find it at LS29 8PP.
