The Hawthorn Bed & Breakfast, on the eastern fringe of Royston Vasey, has been welcoming guests since 1974. The Echo's correspondent stayed for two nights last weekend at the proprietors' invitation.

Check-in was conducted in the front room by Mrs Whicker, the senior proprietor, who asked a number of questions about my mother. She seemed satisfied with the answers, though it is difficult to say.

My room (the 'Hawthorn Suite', on the second floor at the back) was bright, clean, and contained four locked cupboards. I asked at breakfast whether the cupboards might be opened. Mrs Whicker replied that they could, but should not be.

Breakfast was magnificent: black pudding, mushrooms, fried bread, a poached egg of arresting intensity. Mr Whicker, the junior proprietor, conducted the service in silence, broken only by occasional whispered confirmations from the next room.

Verdict: two stars. Three if you are travelling alone and would like company.