Hostelries in North and South (4)
I believe the answer is:
inns
'hostelries' is the definition.
(I know this)
'in north and south' is the wordplay.
'north' becomes 'N' (abbreviation).
'and' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'south' becomes 'S' (abbreviation).
'in'+'n'+'s'='INNS'
(Other definitions for inns that I've seen before include "Places of rest and sustenance for travellers" , "Drinking places (frequented by barristers?)" , "Locals" , "Drink here and learn about the King's law" , "Old hostelries or pubs" .)