Restaurant 23 - Leamington Spa

Peter and Antje Knibb are rapidly making their mark on the Leamington restaurant scene and have moved from Dormer Place to a smart new venture on Holly Walk. The Victorian building has been given a stylish make-over by multi-award winning designers LSM. The 50 seat dining room looks out onto the elegant 36 seater courtyard outside. The new premises also features a luxurious cocktail bar and lounge available for guests whether they are dining or not, as well as a private function room.

After training at Claridges, Peter worked in the kitchens at Michelin-starred Mallory Court before becoming sous-chef to Jun Tanaka at Pearl in High Holborn. His experience shows in dishes such as duck ravioli with pak choi, wild mushrooms and pan-fried foie gras or red mullet with an almond and rosemary crust, saffron-marinated vegetables and cauliflower purée.

Rump of locally reared Lighthorne lamb is given a Mediterranean twist with chick pea purée, spiced aubergines, confit tomato and coriander, while hand-dived scallops could be served with baby carrots, cardamom, cress and Clonakilty black pudding. To finish, expect the unexpected in the shape of gingerbread with roasted plums and Advocaat ice cream or chocolate fondant with coconut sorbet and caramelised banana.