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How times change! My earliest memories of the building occupied by Fratelli on St Mary's Hill are of an up-market antique dealer's, with the wonderful arched 12th century crypt housing a mixed bag of ageing bits and pieces. Now the crypt is the downstairs dining room and whatever might be said about the customers the food is anything but a mixed bag. A gourmet approach in the kitchen offers Italian food of considerable integrity, with all the great Italian classics and then some, on display.

Such has been the support that branches have opened at Kibworth Harcourt and Castor. Presentation and content are of a high standard. Sicilian house wines head an Italian list that mainly hovers round the £20 mark. It is perhaps a reflection of the times that premises of great antiquity (Castor is an old thatched 'gentleman's pub' of the 'thirties) adapt so easily to a different purpose, where eating is the main preoccupation.

The magnificent Belton House, now a National Trust property, is located amidst 475 acres of rolling woodland forest in a small hamlet in Lincolnshire. A part of the estate was sold off in the eighties, and the Belton Woods lakeside hotel was opened in 1992. Further development saw the addition of two golf courses and a spa in 2002.

Today, the hotel provides most luxuries that are needed for a relaxing break. And though golf is very much the raison d'etre, other comforts of life are not forgotten and both Stanton's Brasserie and 19 Café Bar offer excellent food and service with an interesting range of dishes to improve the drive and minimize the hazards of the bunkers.

Whilst Stanton's is a great place to enjoy classic British dishes, steaks, and fusion cuisine, the all-day 19 is more casual, and frequented by both guests and golfers. You could enjoy a snack or relax over a beer in the afternoon. The mood changes in the evening, when mouth-watering grills are matched by an interesting list of wines.

The history of Branston Hall dates back to 1885, when it was built as a stately home for Sir Leslie Alexander Melville. The property was converted into a hotel in 1990, and has ever since charmed many hundreds of guests. Surrounded by eighty-eight acres of wooded parkland and lakes, it is probably one of the best that a country house hotel can be.

Branston Hall's Lakeside Restaurant has been awarded two AA rosettes for culinary excellence. Though traditional, the cuisine is by no means lacking in flair and imagination. Lamb kidneys, for example, appear on truffled brioche with Italian bacon, wild mushrooms, baby onions, and fried sage, and a main course of Singapore style tiger prawn and noodle broth is served with coconut, chilli, wild ginger, scented rice, and a tomato and Asian herb salad.

A blackberry tartlet with honey and lavender ice cream and blackberry sauce makes sure you leave the restaurant in high spirits. Handpicked aperitifs, wines and digestifs complement the food.

Located in one of the oldest parts of the historic stone town of Stamford, south of the river, Candlesticks has been run by the Pinto family since 1975, during which time it has grown from a small enterprise to its present comfortable and financially viable stature.

If one was to choose a word to summarise Candlesticks it would have to be "cosy", with stacks of atmosphere and a definite feeling of staying with friends. The intimate dining room is located in the cellars, and full use has been made of the local stone, which responds well to candlelight. An extensive menu makes maximum capital out of sound ingredients, including fresh deliveries of fish, with some good vegetarian options. Chef is pleased, given a day's notice, to produce a dish of your choice.

The silver service is impeccable, with crisp napery, polished glassware and a carefully selected wine list. At the end of the meal a comprehensive range of liqueurs, brandies, single malts and cigars await your close attention.

Further accommodation has recently been acquired bringing the total to eight superbly furnished bedrooms.

Located in Kirton, an historic market town whose roots can be traced to medieval times, this cosy family-run enterprise has five ensuite rooms, facilities to host events and a restaurant that prides itself on serving fresh, made-to-order food using local produce. The restaurant and bar has comfortable and relaxed surroundings with friendly staff serving English cuisine and premium house spirits, draught beers, real ales and wine.

The menu changes seasonally and alters every session, so expect to find starters ranging from chicken liver tart with mixed leaf salad to king prawn cocktail in Marie Rose sauce. Main courses could include chicken breast with a fondant potato, mushroom and Dijon mustard sauce, roasted oregano lamb rump with minted crushed peas and jus, and char grilled polenta with thyme roasted vegetables and basil brie sauce. Desserts are homemade affairs and may change everyday.