GIVEN a choice, I would always opt to stay at a traditional hotel, with character, beams and wonky floors, rather than a modern, boxy version.

My other half and I also love staying in country inns, with great food, craft beers and real ale.

So what a bonus that The Vicarage near Knutsford in Cheshire ticked both these boxes.

A 26-bedroom countryside hotel, pub and restaurant, in the village of Holmes Chapel, The Vicarage is 10 minutes from the picturesque town of Knutsford with its lovely collection of independent shops.

The hotel is full of character, has quirky décor and – really important for me - a lovely laid-back vibe.

If you are a fan of celeb gossip, then Holmes Chapel is the village where Harry Styles grew up – he of One Direction and X Factor fame.

When the now-owners – Flat Cap Hotels - took over the 17th-century Grade ll-listed property it was in a bit of a sorry state.

There’s been a thorough overhaul but, thankfully, the building has lost none of its original period charm.

There’s wisteria around the porch and lots of old beams, flagstone floors and panelled walls.

Character is added through the assortment of furniture and knick-knacks picked up from reclamation yards, and a bar made from an old French altar.

Think squidgy sofas and armchairs, warming fireplaces, book-lined walls and a warm welcome.

The food is unashamedly British, beautifully cooked and presented, and so delicious - including pork belly, steak and chips, lamb stew, a pan-seared sea bass and juicy burgers. The kitchen aims to source produce as locally as possible, with meats, potatoes and dairy products all supplied by nearby farms.

The 20 comfy bedrooms and six signature rooms have quirky touches throughout. The rainmaker showers are great, but we also had a roll-top bath in the bathroom which was a treat.

The hotel opened in 2015 and has recently been included in the Times & Sunday Times’ ’Top 30 best pubs to visit this summer’.

The festive season is set to be a magical occasion at the Vicarage – offering stylish weekend party nights, a glamorous five-course New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with a live band (£75), a three-course Christmas lunch (£85), and a relaxed Boxing Day brunch. Accommodation is also available

It’s all in the detail: The Vicarage, Knutsford Road, Cranage, Holmes Chapel CW4 8EF; 01477 533393; www.thevicaragecheshire.com