Mt Fuji Restaurant

Ten minutes from Swindon and the M4, Stanton House is a real dream Cotswold country house unencumbered with the practical inconvenience of antiquity, but just as charming. The house has been added to with sensitivity to give space for 82 bedrooms. Outside beautifully maintained gardens give a restful background against which to relax and enjoy this delightful corner of England.

It comes therefore as something of a surprise, even if the name is a giveaway, to find that in the Mount Fuji Restaurant full-on Japanese cuisine is served, offering the opportunity for an insight into traditional Japanese culture and eating, starting with the design and décor before going on to food that is freshly prepared and cooked to enhance the flavours and sensations. As they say at the hotel, "your tastebuds will be in heaven".

Within the restaurant there are four distinct dining areas, Ashai, Kame, Tsuru and Sakura, offering the opportunity to experience traditional Hori Gotatsu, or low level seating. Best be aware that customers are required to remove their shoes on entering the restaurant. Attractively presented menus illustrate each dish, with descriptions in Japanese and English.

Starters of sashimi, tempura and grilled sea eel, or shabu shabu salad, ika karaage and teriyaki salmon therefore not only sound enticing but are seen to be too, a vital point in appealing to potential customers. A typical dinner menu could consist of young green soya beans, grilled skewered chicken, deep fried fish cake, a selection of fresh raw fish, Japanese style omelette with grilled eel, Chef's selection of sushi, simmered belly of pork cooked in soy sauce and ginger, King prawn and vegetables deep fried in a light batter, and miso soup; with a Japanese dessert, say pear tart, cheesecake, or Japanese fruit salad with red azuki beans and ice cream, to round things off, all served in a bento box.

The manner in which English country house meets Japanese cuisine is skilfully handled, nor let is be supposed that European cuisine is not also available, in the Rosemary restaurant. But that, as they say, is another story; find out more on their Website.