How about the unusual experience of dining in an eighteenth century goods shed? Dunkley's is just such a restaurant set in the heart of the beautiful Northamptonshire Countryside and is built around the erstwhile Castle Ashby Station. The sheds and carriages which lie alongside are on tracks that have been re-laid. After extensive refurbishment, the restaurant was opened to the public in 1984 and has been a popular destination since.

This restaurant specialises in predominantly European food, with a few favourites from other geographies thrown in. While the staple dishes and desserts stay constant, the restaurant varies its menu not just between mid week and weekends, but actually offers a different menu each on Saturday and Sunday. Little wonder then, they have a lot of regular diners.

Smoked haddock, salmon fish cakes with Hollandaise or chicken liver pâté with bacon and garlic are popular. Try the chicken Caesar that is char-grilled and served with a salad of mixed leaves, croutons, parmesan shavings and finished with a Caesar salad dressing.  The roasted loin of cod topped with a rich cheddar sauce or baby broad bean, pea and dolcelatte risotto with fresh parsley, are the other options for mains. During weekends, Thai chicken cakes and baked open mushrooms are in demand.

An impressive array of desserts are offered through the week, and one can have the profiterole heaven, apple crumble cheesecake, raspberry crème brûlée, or select from their cheese platter which is served attractively with grapes and celery.

So go ahead, enjoy a hearty meal in unusual surroundings, and soak in the quaint charm of Dunkley's.