Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

Step through the dark green wooden portals of the Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells and into the Burgundy Bar, all blood red squashy velvet sofas, leather pouffes and gently battered wooden tables, and the feeling that you are in good hands sweeps over you. You'd never know HdV was a chain – each location has its own individual character borne out of the style of the building it's in. In this case, a grade II listed mansion constructed back in 1762. Rooms have the signature impressive bathrooms (they do monsoon showers so well here), spick and span trendy décor and wine-themed accessories and many have just gorgeous views over the garden and towards Calverley Park. Downstairs in the public areas, the bar and bistro are buzzing throughout the week, full of bon viveurs taking pleasure in the frankly exhaustive wine list. Oh, and don't miss The Havana Room, with a marvellous full-size billiard table, which boasts some of the finest stocks of Cuban cigars outside Havana.