Auberge du Lac, awarded a Michelin Star in 2009, which they retained in 2010, is a former hunting lodge dating back to 1760. It sits prettily beside Broadwater Lake and overlooks the magnificent parkland of Brocket Hall. Executive Chef Phil Thompson's stints at L'Escargot and The Lanesborough have held him in good stead as he aspires to combine the best traditions of French cooking with his English background.

The chef's pedigree shines through dishes such as roast breast of quail with kohlrabi remoulade, pistachio, truffle and pear 'toastie'; char-grilled rump of veal with Madeira based snails, butternut squash and cep, and chocolate liqueur parfait with white chocolate ice cream, golden raisins and nougatine. The extensive wine list is packed with quality drinking and helpful notes about the different wine producing regions of the Old and New World.

The tasting menu is an experience not to be missed, seven sublime courses but all in sensibly sized portions so that you don?t feel like the Christmas turkey - absolutely stuffed - at the end of it.

Another special feature, and chef Phil?s pride and joy, is the selection of some seventy cheeses, all in the prime condition, including some excellent English ones like the emotively named Stinking Bishop and Montgomery Cheddar.

Auberge du Lac Wine Club invites wine connoisseurs, diners or even casual buyers to avail themselves of bespoke customized wine orders and priority booking for all wine tasting events amongst other benefits.

It is also worth enquiring about the various, and frequent, events that they hold there, and they have a selection of private rooms just awaiting your special occasion to provide a reason to celebrate; while, for gastronomes with time on their hands, their set price lunch is an absolute bargain.