The Lake Isle Hotel, known to a discerning few for a number of years, has now undergone a major facelift that has greatly expanded its ability to look to wider horizons.

Located in the centre of the fashionable town of Uppingham (well, Rick Stein did go to school there) the two AA rosette restaurant is designed in such a way that it can be adapted for day or evening use, thus offering a cheerful lunch or a more reflective atmosphere for dinner. The cuisine is cosmopolitan and takes a Mediterranean influence quite seriously.

Amongst seven or so choices of starters expect to find baked figs stuffed with aged feta, with Serrano ham and lavender infused honey, and butterflied Cornish sardines on toast. Dinnertime main courses embrace pan-fried fillet of sea bass with crushed potatoes, crayfish tails, broad beans and a sorrel cream, and breast of Barbary duck with roasted peaches, fresh cherries and a brandy and thyme jus.

More than a hundred-and-sixty different wines from eleven countries and twenty champagnes support the menu.

Twelve ensuite bedrooms offer comfortable accommodation.