皇家橡树酒店

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.

Everyone is asked to arrive at this well-run restaurant at 7pm – and that usually includes a loyal band of locals. The 3-hour menu takes on a surprise tasting format and there’s the option of matching wines or non-alcoholic options. Humble ingredients are used in ambitious, sometimes rather unusual combinations, which are precisely prepared. Service is structured and passionate, with dishes delivered by the chefs themselves.