Located in the attractive market town of Darlington, Bannatyne Hotel is a unique blend of luxury accommodation and fine dining, and a meal at Maxine's Bar and Restaurant should explain things better. The décor centers on rich dark furnishings and the menu brings some the best the seasons have on offer.

The kitchen is devoted to modern British cooking and starters such as breast of pigeon and seared fillet of sea trout with peppered rocket, black treacle and Bloody Mary sorbet may impress. For the main event there's confit of duck leg served with spiced cabbage, fresh cranberry and orange sauce for the meat eaters and asparagus and saffron risotto for the vegetarians amongst us. At dessert time surrender to a Bramley apple, elderflower and pistachio crumble or gently bite into a Coquet Dale or the smooth textured Cuddy's Cave.

The hand picked wine list changes regularly and is an ideal accompaniment to the meal.