The Old House At Home

This is country house dining at its finest – opulent, formal and sophisticated – and it suits this grand Palladian mansion perfectly. Rich, elegant décor, extravagant furnishings and sumptuous fabrics feature throughout, from the beautiful bedrooms to the drawing rooms where pre-meal drinks are enjoyed. Expertly crafted dishes rely on classic techniques but have a light, modern style, and ingredients are luxurious and of top quality. Structured service comes with as much polish as the silver.

This charming inn makes a delightful pitstop, especially for those visiting the nearby motor racing circuit. The menu is just what you want to see in a place like this: a blackboard of daily specials and dishes that are punchy and full of flavour. In season, local game is always worth ordering and the desserts are consistently good too. The building dates back to the 12th century and boasts many original features; comfortable, immaculately appointed bedrooms complete the picture.

There’s a serene, romantic feel to this restaurant inside the charming Whatley Manor country house, which dates back to 1802 and sports 12 acres of formal grounds. The evening starts with snacks in the kitchen, before moving through to the dining room for the main event. Terse menu descriptions belie the detail and creativity in the artfully presented dishes, which come with some intriguing contrasts of texture and flavour. Extend your visit with an overnight stay in one of the luxurious modern bedrooms.

The titular garden is that of the exquisite Lucknam Park, one of the finest country house hotels in all the land. Hidden within the carefully manicured hedges, behind the 18th-century manor house, is this inviting, glass-enclosed brasserie. Sit on the gorgeous terrace or at oversized, marble-topped tables in the bright, pristine dining room and choose from a concise selection of vibrant, proudly executed dishes underpinned by textbook culinary technique. Pastas, risottos and freshly fired pizzas add to the Mediterranean vibe, while the day boat fish is hard to resist.

Sitting within the luxurious Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, but with a feel all of its own, is this elegant grey-hued restaurant – ask for a booth or dine in the garden in the summer months. It presents a slightly less formal alternative to The Dining Room, serving a menu of globally influenced small plates that's divided into 'Earth', 'Land' and 'Sea', often featuring salad and vegetables from the kitchen garden. The cooking showcases well-defined flavours and careful craft, in dishes like prawn tortellini with coconut bisque. On Sundays, you can enjoy a traditional roast lunch.