Restaurant at Winder Hall Country House

This tranquil 15th century castle in one of the less over-run parts of the Lake District, becomes even more so out of season. Primarily a guest house they nonetheless are happy to take bookings from those wishing to dine, and it is an experience well worth the phone call.

The house is beautifully fitted out, partly as a result of a Victorian owner who had good taste and plenty of money. The oak panelled Dining Room is especially notable, and a menu that gathers local and organic ingredients and produce together offers a limited, but exceptional experience.

The four-course dinner could include a wild mushroom tart or grilled asparagus with a lemon dressing and Parmesan. The Lakeland lamb, cooked in red wine, rosemary and balsamic vinegar, will have come from a local farm with the right approach to animals and will have spent its short life roaming the sweet grass and mountain pastures of the surrounding Fells. The poached salmon with cucumber butter is most likely from the waters of the nearby Solway Firth.

Puddings are likely to offer lemon tart with raspberry coulis, or a bread and butter pudding laced with Baileys. A good value wine list has been thoughtfully put together by somebody who certainly knows their wine. Service is impeccable.