Another day and another stay at the Sofitel Gatwick brings me back down that familiar tunnel from North terminal and into the smart reception. After a few sweltering days in London before flying on to Geneva, the Sofitel is perfect for a bit of pre flight pampering and a good night’s sleep to set you up for the rest of your travels.

I sling my bag on the chair, run a hot bath and turn on the news to catch up on the day’s events. I’m a regular at the Sofitel by now, but it’s always good to see that standards never drop. The rooms are always scrupulously clean and everything is as comfortable and user friendly as I’ve come to expect. It’s lovely just to have some quiet time relaxing and catching up on my notes before dinner.

The Brasserie downstairs is heaving, no small wonder since its miles ahead of the other airport food on offer, although I do buy a pot of bircher museli from M&S to stick in my mini fridge for breakfast. Sofitel does great breakfasts but I don’t do mornings.

David Wood’s menu is always full of stuff I want to eat. I don’t want miniscule portions of cutting edge cuisine when I’m traveling; rather, I always want something with a bit of comfort and heft to set me up or help me recover.

Fish & chips here is always great and they do a good line in classic bistro dishes – beef stroganoff, steak au poivre, chicken & chorizo stew – but today I opt for the pork belly with apple. Sticky, savoury and soft, I do love pork belly and this was some of the best I’ve had. Perfect piggy with a rich gravy and tangy apple – yes please.

For puddings it’s a pot of their unctuous crème brulee with summer berries, another favourite of mine that’s always spot-on at the Brasserie. Lovely staff and an extensive, well-chosen wine list are constants that always make my overnight stays something to look forward to.

La Brasserie, Sofitel London Gatwick, London RH6 0PH, United Kingdom +44 1293 567070.

Nadia was the guest of Holiday Extras. To book airport hotels, transfers, airport parking, airport lounges, airports by rail and coach, destination car hire and holiday insurance, visit holidayextras.com or phone 0800 1313 777.