Headlam is a picturesque hamlet between Darlington and Barnard Castle, and as you drive through the dwindling country roads the impressive Headlam Hall, housed in a Jacobean mansion, seems to appear from nowhere. The dining facilities at the hotel occupy a white orangery, for a fresh and serene dining experience, a handsome panelled room, that gives a cosy and warm feel, and an attractive Victorian hall done out in a pleasant shade of green.

Seasonal pickings define the menu and the well kept gardens at Headlam Hall serve as an excellent supplier for many of the ingredients used in the kitchen. Expect to find starters such as English pea and lettuce risotto, garlic mushrooms and poached Scottish salmon and prawns. Well presented mains include grilled fillet and goujon of plaice, served with braised baby gem and tartar sauce, and pan fried rump of Simpsons beef served with wild garlic potato cake, mushrooms and puy lentil gravy. You could delight your sweet tooth with a warm chocolate fondant and ice cream or elderflower blossom crème caramel.