Hambleton Hall - Hambleton

For many people, Hambleton Hall is the archetypal country house hotel and restaurant. The setting – high above Rutland Water (Europe's largest man-made lake) – is a pure delight and the views are stunning. Visitors also rave about the glorious grounds with terraces and topiary, superlative staff and instantly seductive rooms that ooze genteel comfort.

Tim and Stefa Hart celebrated 30 years as custodians of the Hall during 2010 and the whole set up shows no signs of losing any of its enduring appeal. The Harts personal charm contributes a great deal to the set-up, and the same can be said of Aaron Patterson's efforts in the kitchen. He has been at the stoves for more than a decade, and his guide rankings (including a Michelin star) are impressively consistent.

His menus follow the seasons more astutely than most and dazzling fresh flavours are one of his trademarks. It helps that Hambleton has a productive kitchen garden for herbs, vegetables and soft fruit, but regional suppliers also play their part. Game is one of Patterson's passions and he hits the button with ideas like Szechuan-spiced roast loin of venison with fig and chocolate sauce or hare Wellington with prune and Armagnac sauce. Elsewhere, seared Scottish scallops might be served with aubergine purée and sauce vierge, while desserts could include flawless creations like passion fruit soufflé with passion fruit and banana sorbet.

'Lunch for less' weekday menus are a real bargain, and the illustrious wine list has drooling possibilities on every page. Check out the 'wines of the moment', proceed to the more rarefied world of great vintages or revel in fascinating discoveries from artisan producers around the globe.