Kings Croft Hotel (Pontefract, United Kingdom)

You can’t put a price on these extensive grounds and exceptional views to the moors in the distance. Maximising on this location, they have very wisely chosen to invest in upgrading. This ensures that it appeals to couples wanting a meal out or a weekend away, as well as to organisers of large scale business and social events, including wedding receptions.

The menu is quite extensive and there’s plenty of choice to suit sophisticated tastes – as well as those kids just out for a pizza! The wine list is impressive, too.

They’ve obviously mastered the fine art of mass catering whilst retaining that essential element of high quality cuisine. In fact, with input and advice from the hotel, weddings and all social and business events seem to run like clockwork.

They are a bit small, something probably emphasised by the large scale facilities available to visiting groups. Rooms could also do with a revamp and PDQ. Surprisingly, cleanliness is a bit of an issue.

The needs of the family, or couple staying or visiting for a meal, are quickly sidelined in favour of the cash cow that is the large social event or business meeting. It makes financial sense to everyone apart from those individual guests who end up being short changed.

If you are unlucky enough to be here at the same time as a social event, batten down the hatches and bring super quality ear plugs! Don’t smirk too quickly if you think you’ve missed it; those noisy extractor fans can kick into action at any time!