Queens arms country inn

The personality and experience of chef-owner Simon Martin shine brightly at this stylish, modern restaurant, where every one of the well-spaced tables has a view of the kitchen. British produce leads the way, including plenty of seafood because, as Simon puts it, “we live on an island”. There are many Asian techniques on display and the cooking marries complex flavours with a pure, natural approach, in dishes such as a superb roasted hogget with white miso sabayon.

There’s a fresh, clean feel to both the décor and the cooking at this welcoming little wine bar and restaurant. The concise but appealing wine list will appeal to traditional oenophiles, with quality established growers to the fore. The menu has a Mediterranean leaning, so whilst it changes daily, it will likely include a pasta dish and possibly some whole fish. This is cooking that relies on simplicity and skill, with immense care poured into dishes like peri peri octopus and duck fat crisps, so that the natural flavours shine.

Real ales and regular quiz nights help this traditional stone pub to remain a true village local, where you’ll find walkers and cyclists having a pint in the sunshine out front. The cooking has a similarly classic outlook, with hearty pub dishes executed with a refined touch. Look out for the top-quality meats in the lunchtime grill section or on weekly ‘Charcoal Nights’ – plus the Manchester Egg snack, which has become something of a signature. Characterful open fires mix with warm, contemporary décor, while the genuinely warm and friendly team offer effusive service.

With its open kitchen, sharing plates, faux-industrial design and bounty of natural wines, there's something incredibly current about Erst. It's truly a restaurant for our times, but cooking like this would be a joy in any era. The underlying themes across the menu are great value and bright, punchy flavours; make sure you start with one of the freshly charred flatbreads, which might come topped with sweet Vesuvio tomatoes. The cuttlefish risotto is terrific too, offering impressive depth of flavour. The friendly team provide natural, attentive service.

This 18C stone pub on the moor is a place that constantly evolves. It’s usually busy but the staff have everything under control and there are comfy bedrooms for those wishing to stay. Dining takes place in the cosy Tap Room or smart brasserie; the appealing menu has a British heart and global influences.

A former bank has been lovingly and carefully restored to provide a home for this restaurant in the bustling Peak District town of Chapel-en-le-Frith. It’s now a laid-back, charmingly run place that the area can be proud of, serving ambitious dishes with a creative edge – such as a deconstructed version of a bouillabaisse. If you’re an indecisive diner, opt for the tasting menu; if you like things more relaxed, come at lunch for more pub-influenced dishes like fish pie and grilled pork chop. Two beautifully appointed apartments sit above the restaurant.

This large, loft-style restaurant is located on the top floor of a Victorian coffee warehouse and its open kitchen truly feels like part of the room. The set sharing menu is based on seasonal British produce and often incorporates foraged ingredients; this combines with a low-waste ethos that involves using a range of pickles and ferments. Walk-ins are available at the kitchen counter, where you can enjoy low-intervention wines and bar snacks. The same team run Yellowhammer, a bakery and pottery studio just around the corner, which provides both excellent sourdough and tableware for the restau