Templeton Hotel, Raffles Restaurant - Templepatrick

Situated by the shores of a lake in the quaint village of Templepatrick, this privately run hotel has a distinctive pine chalet-like appearance and is a now a favourite destination for weddings, trade shows, conferences and dinner dances.

Formal evening meals are served in Raffles Restaurant - a cosy, romantic and traditional dining room with echoes of a clubby library and lovely views over the terrace and the lake. Kick off with warm cured salmon, fennel purée and tarragon velouté or loin of venison with roast beetroot and rocket salad, ahead of roast salmon with leek and scallion risotto or apricot-stuffed pork fillet with apple tarte Tatin and thyme.

On Sunday there's a traditional lunch, followed by high tea (5.30 to 7.30pm) where roasts, grills and salads are the main events. Alternatively, the Upton Grill offers popular family-style meals throughout the week.