Situated on the outskirts of the picturesque boutique town of Yarm, The Parkmore Hotel was originally built as a private house for the family of a wealthy shipbuilder. They have recently opened their refurbished restaurant J's @ 636 with a completely new look, incorporating high back chairs, contemporary furniture, exciting crockery and ornate glassware, all married to the service and food, which is delivered by attentive staff.

You could try their warm poached pear salad, served with Yorkshire blue cheese, rocket and drizzled with an aromatic walnut oil to start, followed by the slow roasted belly of County Durham pork, with seared scallop, bok choi, glazed apple, celeriac sauce and a honey and black pepper jus, and finally indulge your sweet tooth with a salad of rhubarb confit with candied fennel and mascarpone ice cream.