An old property that has grown with the times, set in beautiful grounds at the foot of the Quantock Hills, the Apple Tree Hotel is a good venue for business and pleasure occasions.

The Conservatory Restaurant, an attractive room on two levels offers a menu that is mainly very recognisable English food with occasion excursions into foreign parts. Amongst the starters expect to find pork and duck pate, prawn cocktail, or mushrooms and bacon tossed in garlic and served on a bed of lettuce leaves.

Every so often a mixed grill hits the right button, and the Apple Tree version should keep you going for a few days, with sirloin steak, gammon, pork chop, lamb cutlet and sausages served with the customary accompaniments, including onion rings. Lemon sole fillets offer a more restrained approach but it has to be said that the portions here are generous, no matter what the dish. A traditional beef lasagne seldom fails to appeal on a menu such as this, and there it is along with the chicken and smokey bacon pasta, and vegetable Kiev.

Prices are very reasonable, particularly considering both the quantity and quality involved. It is hotels such as the Apple Tree that make it possible for those not blessed with over much wealth to enjoy the luxury of staying away from home without feeling ripped off.