With beautiful views of landscaped gardens creating an enchanting atmosphere, Lakes Restaurant is a cosy dining space housed within the Hempstead House Hotel in the Kent village of Bapchild. With a rich history and an old world character, the restaurant harks back to a period of refined dining, evident in its ornate chandeliers, grand furnishings and rich ambience. This continues with the cuisine, which is a blend of traditional and modern English and French classics prepared using locally sourced fish, and poultry and vegetables wherever possible.

Prepared by Chef's Peter Gilbey and Paul Field, the a la carte menu has delectable starters of king scallops wrapped in Parma ham on pea puree; pan seared pigeon breast on pureed celeriac and Cumberland sausage; and warm goat's cheese tartlet with wild rocket salad and red onion marmalade. Main courses include roast rack of lamb served with tomato and chickpea risotto and a tomato and tarragon jus; and poached fillet of halibut on a seafood linguini with a lemon and herb cream.

Tempting desserts of cranberry and orange pie with gingerbread ice cream and dark chocolate fondant with a white chocolate filling finish the dining experience with a flourish.