The Red Lion - Sibbertoft

A giant wine bottle outside this gentrified pub/restaurant proclaims 'Top Food, Top Wines At Pub Prices' and that just about sums up the attractions of the Red Lion. Following a serious revamp in 2004, the place has developed by leaps and bounds, and now boasts a conference room and accommodation 'studios' as well as a stylish bar and restaurant.

The monthly menu makes good use of seasonal game, local beef (reared on neighbouring farms and butchered in the next village) and much else besides. Starters of honey-grilled goats' cheese and red onion tart or duck, orange and Armagnac terrine might give way to horseradish-crusted fillet of beef with Madeira jus, blackened Cajun chicken with coconut and mango sauce, or roast pheasant with cranberry relish. For afters, consider autumn fruit crumble or date, ginger and sticky toffee pudding. Note that Monday night is curry night.

The ever-evolving, 200-bin wine list is an award winning slate cherry-picked from 15 different suppliers. Drinkers can sample everyday quaffers, specialist stuff from elite, boutique wineries and classic vintages from the big names, all at prices with simple cash mark-ups.

They have recently been awarded 'UK's Best Wine Pub' by the Publican at Novembers Food & Drink awards.