Jesmonds of Highworth

This handsome house strikes quite a chord when you first approach, with its handsome classical frontage and large portico that at least leaves no shadow of doubt where the front door is located.

Inside all is calm and colour schemes that would delight to bits the average National Trust curator are the order of the day. There is the distinct feeling that Jesmond House is all about heart, and certainly the welcome afforded to guests (for they have rooms too) is warm and genuine.

Two menus, apart from lunch, vie for your attention: dinner à la carte and square meal. Since, on the evidence available they both fall into the last category, one wonders . . . . . Let's settle for the a la carte, with its starters of brown shrimp and salmon cannelloni, crushed peas and shellfish bisque, followed by locally smoked ribeye of beef with vanilla and Jerusalem artichoke puree. A plate of 'black' and 'blue' desserts to share sounds a good idea, thought the pear tart tartin with caramelised walnuts and wattle seed crisp might just get in the way.

Standards are high and whilst this is clearly a place where bed and dinner fit naturally together it also makes an appealing setting for those who want a good night out without running the risk of trainers and jeans looming on the immediate horizon. The AA seems to feel the same and gave them 5 stars and 2 rosettes in April 07.