The Coach House

In the centre of this charming spa town you’ll find an unassuming exterior concealing an elegantly stylish restaurant. Helen runs the service and she’s a natural host, so you’ll be warmly welcomed and well looked after. Her experienced husband Jon runs things in the kitchen and his overtly seasonal cooking demonstrates impressive classical technique and attention to detail, exemplified by the expertly cooked venison with a rich red wine sauce. His more playful side comes out in the crowd-pleasing signature 'Tequila Slammer' sorbet.

This restaurant inside a glorious Cotswolds country house hotel offers bold, vibrant cooking that’s worthy of the rather lovely setting. Start with a drink in the sleek bar, before settling in the panelled dining room that cleverly fuses its original features with more modern elements. The cooking has Mediterranean influences and uses British ingredients well, in dishes like the house-made taglioni with Cornish lobster and pickled chilli. For dessert, their fresh-out-the-oven madeleines are hard to resist.

It doesn’t take long after you enter this welcoming pub before you notice how fiercely proud it is of its horseracing links. Don’t be surprised to see the day’s runners and riders on the TV in the memorabilia-filled bar, where you can settle in for a local ale and the ‘Nap of the Day’ lunch deal. For more substantial fare, head to the beamed dining room for classic pub dishes ranging from Scotch eggs to gammon chop. For dessert, the black treacle and date pudding provides a delightful sugar rush that will have you hurtling over the finish line.

Lords of the Manor is an appropriate name for a 17th-century Cotswolds hotel, and Atrium is an equally apt name for this restaurant located within the hotel's inner sanctum. A large skylight allows natural light to flood into the compact dining room, where diners are served a tasting menu all at the same time. The dishes come with attractive modern presentation and their greatest strength is in the natural flavours of the central ingredients, which are ably cooked by kitchen team. A wine pairing and overnight stay will make an event of your visit.

This delightful barn conversion sits in an idyllic rural location in the heart of the Cotswolds, forming part of the sumptuous Thyme hotel and surrounded by Provençal-style gardens. A nature-to-plate philosophy runs through the menu, with ingredients from the kitchen gardens and farm regularly appearing. The pared-back, flavoursome dishes could include the likes of harissa mussels on toast or a wonderful 'Gateau Victoire' for dessert. The large communal table in front of the open kitchen is the best place to sit if you come with a group of friends.

In a tranquil Gloucestershire village sits this 17th-century mellow stone inn, which offers a warm welcome and plenty of rustic charm, from its fireplace to its exposed timber. The appealing menu of hearty, well-cooked dishes is likely to include pies, fish & chips and a choice of locally reared steaks from the grill – plus a roast on Sundays. For desserts, expect modernised versions of classic recipes like steamed puddings and crumbles. Cosy bedrooms are also available if you want to explore the area.

You’ll receive a warm welcome at this sumptuous restaurant, run by the third generation of a family who settled here from India 50 years ago. The menu is mostly southern Indian, with a particular focus on recipes from Kerala, and the dishes prove to be bright and authentic. Options like the 'Chilli Chicken', combining succulent chicken breast with a rich tomato, chilli and garlic sauce, showcase skill and flavour aplenty. If you're celebrating or simply feeling indecisive, the 'Banquet' and 'Feast' menus are a great way to go.