Possibly the nicest bed and breakfast you could hope to find

We do an awful lot of travelling, and are often put up for the night by local members in their homes. They are most gracious, and their hospitality is greatly appreciated.

Last night was no exception, although there was a twist. Our hosts for the dinner last night were Diana and Ian, who own a listed Georgian house within the walls of Berwick which is utilised as a bed and breakfast. But not just any old bed and breakfast, by no means.

Northumberland House is the kind of bed and breakfast that you always hope that you've booked into. The rooms are large and rather gorgeous, there are cats (Tigger and Fluff), there is a garden to enjoy with games to play - apparently Fluff likes to play table tennis and is rather good at it - and the food is amazing.

If you are the sort of person who enjoys breakfast, you're in the right place. Ian and Diana are totally committed to using local suppliers and are fortunate in that there are plenty of sources within a small radius. I was lured by the option of kippers, smoked in nearby Seahouses, and I wasn't disappointed. Starting with porridge made from organically grown oats and served with a dram of malt whisky, and a glass of fresh orange juice, I can confirm that the bureaucrat ate a hearty breakfast.

Everything is done to reduce the impact on the local environment, and their efforts have been reflected in the four star status and the Green Tourism gold award.

So, if you're in the area, or even if you weren't planning to be, and you need somewhere to stay, I cannot recommend Northumberland House enough.