The Naver Lounge Restaurant, Borgie Lodge Hotel - Tongue

A great favourite with outdoor types, anglers and hikers, this converted Victorian sporting lodge is hidden away in a secluded glen on the banks of the River Borgie. It is surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in North Sutherland, with shooting rights on the 12,600-acre Tongue Estate and plenty of salmon fishing nearby.

The hotel is done out in patriotically Scottish style, with Sutherland tartan carpets, crackling log fires and magnificent stag antlers on display. Native ingredients also loom large on the daily-changing menu, witness a salad of langoustines with hot garlic butter, fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef with wild mushrooms and red wine jus or roast saddle of local Borgie venison with spiced red cabbage, port and juniper jus.

Mediterranean influences show up in - say - a gâteau of grilled vegetables with Mozzarella, while desserts look to France for lemon tart or chocolate soufflé pudding with cinnamon ice cream and hot chocolate sauce.