For Kristine Dobson, every day at work is a pleasure.

“I love it, and it is so picturesque here,” she says, “We are beside the river and park so no matter where I look I see trees, grass and water. It is so peaceful, and wonderful when the sun is shining.”

Kristine has been at the helm of Ilkley’s Riverside Hotel for 39 years and now runs the business with her son Kelvin.

Together they run the hotel’s spacious restaurant and cosy bar, and the Riverside Kabin, where fish and chips are served along with ice cream.

“We won an award for our fish and chips, and were recently nominated for having the best fish and chips in the area,” says Christine, 64, who cooks alongside Kelvin.

Fare is mainly traditional, with old favourites including giant Yorkshire puddings filled with roast dinner, steak, mushroom and Guinness pie, and broccoli and cream cheese bake.

Desserts also follow the tried, tested and much-loved route to diners’ hearts, with sponge puddings banana split, peach melba, and lemon brulee.

“We make everything from scratch,” says Kristine, who has enjoyed cooking since her schooldays. “Where possible we use local Yorkshire produce and we stick to wholesome dishes – doing the basics right is our philosophy and our customers appreciate that.”

Kelvin, 43, cooks too, and the pair can often be found working side-by-side in the kitchen. “We work well together,” says Kristine, who also has a daughter, Kim.

They are particularly proud of their fish and chips. “Kelvin went on a course with the Fish Fryers’ Federation to learn how to cook them properly.”

The Riverside has many regulars who love to relax and eat in the waterside setting. “People love coming,” says Kristine. “We do senior citizens’ specials which people really enjoy. We are on first name terms with many of our regulars – they always come over to tell us how much they have enjoyed their meal, which is lovely to hear.”

In summer, meals and drinks are served on the patio overlooking the River Wharfe, and in winter, guests can relax in front of a roaring fire in the bar.

She works hard, “from getting up in the morning to going to bed”, but can’t think of anything she would rather do.

Not one to put her feet up, Kristine spends her spare time with her four grandchildren, whose ages range from nine to 16. “They live in Ilkley so I see them all the time,” she says. “They love my cooking.”

Kristine’s daughter-in-law Catherine works at the Riverside part-time.

Kim hasn’t followed in her mum and brother’s footsteps. “She is a really good cook, but saves it for home,” says Kristine, who has no intention of retiring. “I’ll be here forever,” she says. “I can’t imagine not working, I enjoy it so much.”