Restaurant at Egerton Grey Country House Hotel

Housed in a 19th century mellow stone house with definite aspirations to the baronial Egerton Grey was one of the early crop of country house hotels, rich in Edwardian and Victorian characteristics, and at one stage a rectory.

The Cuban mahogany panelled dining room provides an elegant setting for some really very fine food, at prices that leave you wondering if there has been an error in the office. The a la carte three course meal at £17.50 starts with a choice of four dishes drawn from a amongst a tian of Scottish smoked salmon, a chicken and bacon Caesar salad, home made soup, perhaps cream of leek and potato, followed by sirloin of Welsh Black beef and Yorkshire pudding, breast of organic chicken, roast leg of Welsh lamb, and tagliatelle made with asparagus and Roquefort.

Puddings are agreeably familiar, and therefore even more tempting than usual. The classic brandy snap basket carries a duo of home made ice creams, a sticky toffee pudding is served with rum and orange ice cream.

The Gourmet dinner is double the price and carries many of the same dishes with additions such as the crispy duck salad, seared scallops and king prawns or a duck liver and Cointreau parfait, char-grilled fillet of sea bass, and a twice-baked three cheese soufflé, with asparagus and morels. The desserts also include a lemon tart and raspberry sorbet. The difference in price is certainly justified.

Egerton Grey is a real gem and I don't know why I am telling you about it. As an escape destination, a quiet hideaway to rejuvenate company policy, or just a place for a special celebration I can think of few better.