Just a five minute drive south of Chester city centre, the privately owned Grosvenor Pulford Hotel is set in its own grounds and is often used as a base from which to explore the many attractions in and around Chester. Seventy three bedrooms of different kinds offer guests a host of convenient facilities.

Consider escaping to the spa or lingering by the fireplace while sipping traditional ales, spirits and wine. The Mediterranean style Ciro's Brasserie with its décor of Romanesque arches and stucco paintwork offers diners seasonal dishes created from local north western produce whenever possible.

Starters of roast chorizo sausages with piqualli peppers and garlic, or a pressed terrine of duck help set the stage for mains of fillet of saltimbocca pork or seafood brochettes of scallops, prawns and salmon. The menu includes salads, pasta and risotto of say butternut squash and sage.

A classic tiramisu helps end proceedings well. The coffee bar within Ciro's overlooks a picturesque courtyard and you could enjoy morning coffee there.