Long since proclaimed the finest stone town in England, Stamford's magnificent Georgian and Medieval buildings remind us today of its nobility and history of times gone by. Jim's Yard is tucked away behind buildings fronting on to Ironmonger Street. The dining area has French doors which open on to a pretty walled garden that provides alfresco dining for a lazy lunch or supper.

The daily changing menus offer simple classic dishes, freshly prepared from local and seasonal ingredients. Specialities here include sautéed wild mushrooms on toast with fried duck egg, chicken liver and garlic pate with toasted brioche and homemade chutney, and seared fillet of seabream with mash, curly kale and shellfish sauce. Add a 9oz ribeye steak and chips to the list, a delightful dish with grilled field mushroom and green peppercorn sauce. Apple tart tatin with clotted cream ice cream and truffles from the à la carte also excite admiration.