Strategically located between several other period buildings, the South Lodge Hotel in New London Road is of well-maintained Victorian vintage, remodelled carefully bonding pieces of history with modern design. Even the South Restaurant and Bar is brightened up with plenty of natural light streaming though the large windows offset by dark wooden tables. The eclectic modern British and European menu complements the setting perfectly. An adjoining terrace allows for al fresco dining in the summer.

In agreement with the overall modern theme, the inventive selection begins with grilled flat mushroom and blue cheese fondue sauce, spicy chicken with citrus mayonnaise and panko tiger prawns with sweet chilli. Main courses of seafood trio with spicy tomato vinaigrette and potato salad and fillet of beef with hand cut chips and baby spinach offer a modern twist while the Gressingham duck gets an Oriental touch with stir fried pak choi, spring onions and plum sauce.

The bar menu also speaks well of the kitchen's efforts with dishes like carved festive ham, Whitby Bay scampi, Aberdeen Angus cheese and bacon burger and sirloin steak with chips. Fortify yourself for the night with a cheesecake, coconut tart or chocolate mousse, ending with coffee, hot chocolate or amaretto, if you wish.

A varied wine list offers an aromatic Ca di Ponti white, Pinot Grigio San Vigilio, Aloe Tree Shiraz and a fruity Masquerade Merlot. Finally, if in the mood brace yourself for a peaceful night's sleep in one of the 35 ensuite bedrooms at the South Lodge.