Spending an enjoyable evening in the refreshing ambience of The Orangery at the Danesfield House Hotel and Spa requires little second thought. Guests can dine here from a modern British menu for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Located in Henley Road, the hotel stands in exquisite grounds with acres of formal gardens and outstanding views over the River Thames to the Chiltern Hills beyond.

The evening meal could begin with risotto of roast Cornish scallops and winter truffle; terrine of confit chicken leg with chestnuts, quince puree and pickled trompettes, or salad of roast quail, sweet carrot puree and roasted cèpes. Then consider a pan-fried fillet of bream with crab risotto and crab jus, or slow cooked sirloin steak with pomme puree, pied de mouton and red wine jus. Sumptuous desserts of chestnut soufflé and pear sorbet, and dark chocolate pannacotta with pink grapefruit granita and cocoa nib tuile bring the meal to a fitting end. The wine list, graced with aromatic, spicy whites and mellow, fruity reds, provides further food for thought.