Seen fleetingly through the leafy verdure that is Warwickshire, Walton Hall impacts on the mind as a building of Victorian splendour, tucked away in a county renowned for its naturally landscaped beauty. Yet a matter of ten minutes or so motoring will have you on the M40 at junction 15.

Home of the Mordaunt family, the Paramount Group of hotels have taken Walton Hall under their wing, and £10 million is being spent on preserving this spectacular house for the future. Meanwhile business goes on and a table d'hote menu is served in the grandiose

dining room, with magnificent marble fireplaces, glittering chandeliers and sweeping views over the grounds.

Expect to find amongst the starters Stilton and pear salad, smoked mackerel and garden salad, or a chicken liver parfait. Main courses offer grilled Barnsley lamb chops with new potatoes, Cumberland sausage and mash with spring onion sauce, or coq au vin with creamed potatoes. Desserts of cheese terrine, a platter of fresh fruits with sorbet, or chocolate mousse provide a fitting end to this menu that draws upon homely ingredients and cuisine to give uncomplicated eating amidst magnificent surroundings.