Restaurant at Fritton house Hotel

This handsome house is part of the Somerleyton Estate in Suffolk, a lively place where thousands of people every year come to enjoy some unspoiled countryside and genuine entertainment in this idyllic piece of England.

The hotel backs on to Fritton lake, a major feature of the estate, and has a nine hole pitch and putt golf course, waterbased and childrens' activities in plenty including pony riding and an adventure playground. The menu consists of typical brasserie food, without leaving any doubts as to its English origins and inspiration.

A typical three-course meal might consist of parsleyed ham hock terrine, green beans and shallot salad, with crème fraîche, or grilled local herring fillet with lightly curried piccalilli and watercress. From amongst a choice of six main courses a pan roasted

chicken comes with creamy asparagus and broad bean risotto, or the braised pepper with griddled vegetable and goat's cheese galette and pepper dressing and parmesan brings joy to the hearts of vegetarians, and occasionally others.

An exotic jelly made with Bauget and Joulette pink champagne and strawberries is served with fresh cream and more strawberries, but if I could bring myself to ignore the Y Fenni and Snowdoniab cheeses from you know where, I would have to have a run at the baked banana, white chocolate and pecan cheesecake with maple syrup.

The association between a decent wine cellar and stately homes is not lost here and a good selection of sensibly priced wines grace the cellars of Fritton House. The excellent local ales are conspicuous by their presence.