The Red House - Melton Mowbray

Impressively revamped in contemporary style, this old coach house on the Melton Mowbray to Nottingham road has been transformed into a chic bar, restaurant and boutique hotel, complete with a permanent marquee in its beautiful gardens for private functions.

Armchairs and sofas adorn the bar, which leads into the light and airy, conservatory-style dining room. The kitchen is keen on local produce, from meat to cheese, and menus change with the seasons. Start with homemade gravlax, roasted beetroot, lime dressing and Bellini pancakes before rump of lamb with pea mash, confit carrots and redcurrant jus or breast of chicken stuffed with Stilton sausagemeat on bubble 'n squeak. For dessert, try croissant bread-and-butter pudding or white chocolate and Tia Maria tart with dark chocolate ice cream.

Sunday brings popular lunches, and there are live music suppers on the last Friday of each month. Barbecues and alfresco meals are available in the courtyard on good days.