You will thrill to the discovery of the Riverside House Hotel, nestling in the glorious Derbyshire Peak District, near to Bakewell. Just one glimpse of the graceful Georgian exterior is enough to tell you that you have indeed made a veritable find as it nestles on the banks of the river Wye, with exquisite gardens and delightful food. Head Chef John Whelan, a member of the Master Chefs of Great Britain, embraces mainly French cuisine, though with occasional further influences.

Dishes to start run from pan fried foie gras with ginger, apple and pear mousse to spiced Scottish salmon with watercress salad and sesame biscuit, while mains could be pan roasted fillet of Derbyshire beef, macaire potatoes, creamed leeks and shallots or slow roasted confit leg of lamb with braised vegetables with mint and rosemary gnocchi. For lighter (and cheaper) meals you could turn to their Conservatory Room, which is open daily for lunch or dinner offering seafood, deli-sandwiches and more health conscious options. No children under twelve.