Hambleton Hall

There are very few superlatives that cannot be justifiably applied to this highly successful operation presided over by Tim and Stefa Hart. The hotel itself has won a whole fistful of accolades. The restaurant, for which Aaron Patterson has been cooking since 1992, draws upon materials as local as his own kitchen garden and as wide as the rest of the country.

The constantly changing menu demonstrates an ongoing vigilance, which might be the envy of many a national surveillance team, with results that are unfailingly good. Like most excellence all of this comes at a price but it would be a churlish lover of fine food indeed who begrudged one penny.

The wine list is extensive and French inclined, but not to the exclusion of other listings from Spain, California or Italy. About six wines by the glass and a great range of half-bottles. Truly this lovely house, sumptuously furnished and looking out over the steadily maturing lakescape of Rutland Water, is a temple dedicated to eating and living par excellence.

Whilst we have put the Av Cost per Head at £30 for lunch and £70 for dinner, most people opt for their set menus at lunch and dinner, providing superb value, and eat for a lot less; they are also extremely flexible if you are not happy with its contents.

More information on Hambleton, its food and its wonderful, highly individual bedrooms, can be obtained from their Website.