The Queens in Leeds, one of the landmark properties in that sturdy city since 1937 has recently had a major £10m refit, in the course of which it has been restored to its original art deco grandeur. Some 217 state-of-the-art bedrooms are amongst the best in the city and equal care has been taken in refurbishing the Queens Grill, which is decked out in a purple colour scheme.

Although the menu would stand up well in an international setting there is a strong trend towards Yorkshire dishes and ingredients. Expect to find Morecambe Bay shrimps, salmon and garden peas, herb crusted medallions of beef with potato fondant, creamed leeks and red wine jus, and their rhubarb and apple crumble with classic vanilla custard is worth the journey on its own.