The Hunting Lodge

This restaurant has become quite the operation over the years, what with its main dining room, Tasting Room, Kitchen Bench, bedrooms, garden and even its own bees. Sat Bains has an unerring commitment to well-sourced produce, both from his own garden and around the British Isles; fresh, snow-white crab is a great example, enhanced by the ingenious accompaniments of dashi jelly and a rich bisque infused with star anise. Whatever the dish, it will be as punchy as it is good looking. You're guided smoothly through the whole experience by the genial, well-versed service team.

The old water pump out the back hints at its days as the village forge but this is now a brightly decorated, intimate restaurant run with natural warmth by its experienced owners. The seasonally minded tasting menu is composed of ambitious, creative dishes overflowing with different flavours and textures; if you're lucky, it might include the excellent beef Wellington, which is presented and sliced at the table for a welcome bit of theatre. Boutique bedrooms are available if you're exploring the area.

'Sapori' means 'flavours' and that's exactly what this charmingly run Italian restaurant delivers. Located inside a substantial Victorian building in a Leicester suburb, the interior is sleek and modern, even a little glitzy, with an open kitchen pass so you can get a good look at the chefs. A passionate Italian family are in charge, drawing on influences from their native Naples, as well as well-known staples like carbonara, zucchini fritti and tiramisu. Sweet, endearing service makes a visit all the more appealing.