The Place at Camber Sands in East Sussex is our No 1 choice for a family weekend getaway. Stylishly modernised a few years ago, it has an excellent brasserie and is but a clamber up the dunes from the fabulous beach at Camber.

Now its owners have turned their sights on refurbishing the Bell Hotel in Sandwich. This little town on the east Kent coast is home to the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, plus some world-class golf courses, yet until now has lacked accommodation to match. The Bell’s makeover isn’t complete, but already swirly carpets have been torn up to reveal a 1920s oak parquet floor, and walls have been stripped of woodchip paper, repainted in airy neutrals and hung with local modern art.

The menu is based on fresh seasonal produce, so our rabbit and pigeon pie — chunks stacked in a creamy sauce topped with puff pastry — and lemon sole baked with pink peppercorns were locally sourced. I shared my husband’s panna cotta with summer fruits for dessert. We had no quibbles with a children’s menu on which everything, including sausages and chicken goujons, was homemade and reasonably priced.

And so to bed. Sadly, the spacious family room, with its 1970s Stag furniture and freeze-you-scald-you shower, was not one of the four that have been restyled. But a peek at a superior double revealed an elegant colour scheme in shades of duck egg and dove grey, an extremely comfy-looking bed, and a gleaming white and chrome bathroom.

The refurbishment of all 33 rooms is scheduled for completion at the end of next year, giving Sandwich a much-needed shot in the arm.



Bottom line: Hilly Janes paid £110 for a four-bed family room. Newly refurbished rooms start at £100 for a double, including breakfast.

Sampling the fare: Dinner for a family of four with wine cost £75.

What we think: Gorgeous — but ask for a new room.

Best thing: Breakfasts with local yoghurt, juice and ham.

Worst thing: Tatty unrenovated areas.

Need to know: Bell Hotel, The Quay, Sandwich, Kent (01304 613388, www.bellhotelsandwich.co.uk).

Access all areas: Bar and restaurant, yes; bedrooms, no.

Room: 10 out of 10 for the restyled rooms; 5 out of 10 for those that have yet to be refurbished.
Food: 8 out of 10.
Service: 7 out of 10.

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