Holidays in Britain can be great, they're just expensive.
I have on my list, in no particular order: Midland Hotel, Morecambe; The Howard, Edinburgh; Haven't decided where Portmeirion and whichever hotel "Cabinet" is in London.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Thu 29 Aug 2013, 20:17, 2 replies)

I live
a few miles from Portmeirion, and i can tell you that it doesn't take long to go around - you can exhaust half a day if you're inclined. However, the area of Snowdonia itself has some stunning mountains to walk up.
( social hand grenade I was a lurker before you were a lurker, Thu 29 Aug 2013, 20:51, closed)

I know it's a small place.
I think a long weekend strolling around the place, watching The Prisoner before bed, would be pleasant though. I agree about the mountains having been part way up Snowdon as a kid -- it's a pretty part of the world generally.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Thu 29 Aug 2013, 21:46, closed)

I was there this year, though only for a morning, which wasn't quite enough time
I was the guy in the black and white jacket (there's always one)
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Fri 30 Aug 2013, 9:32, closed)

I'd honestly give the Midland a miss if I were you. Beautiful Art Deco but as a hotel, it's missing the mark for what they charge. Morecambe as a town itself isn't also somewhere you'll want to spend too long.
The restaurant isn't up to much but you could stop in for lunch if you want a look around the hotel.

If you're looking for somewhere special in the NW I'd suggest either Northcote Manor (haven't been since it's refurb last month though) or Hipping Hall which are both splendid.
( Pig Bodine., Fri 30 Aug 2013, 13:42, closed)

I've family who live fairly near.
We did pop in for lunch one day and I thought it was pretty good -- but it was a little pricey for what it was, I suppose, and I'm too poor to have enjoyed it properly.
I'm sorry to hear it's not up to much as a hotel as it would be cool to stay where the ficticious Belgian detective stayed.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Fri 30 Aug 2013, 17:11, closed)

If those are your best suggestions for food in the NW, then I suggest you really do not want to
embark on a career as a food critic. In fact, just because your company once gave you a special "do" at Northcote doesn't mean it is good, it is one star Michelin and charges 2 to 3 star Michelin in Blackburn FFS. I think that you may also like to recommend Burger King off the A666 and that café near Colne that everyone raves about, the McDonalds.
( d.r._and_quinch when will you be famous?, Sat 31 Aug 2013, 0:03, closed)

Sweet Mandarin is pretty good.
It's round the back of the old market on Shudehill in Manchester and, whilst it may not have any stars, it is certainly very well renowned.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Sat 31 Aug 2013, 11:20, closed)

What a curious thing to get yourself worked up over.
I was referring more to good places to stay. If it's just food then I'd pick L'Enclume every time. I haven't stayed there though so can't comment on their rooms. The Parker's Arms has been getting a lot of admiring nods and Fraiche is also great destination dining.

Where are your recommendations Egon?
( Pig Bodine., Sat 31 Aug 2013, 13:47, closed)