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Hipping Hall is a very professional shot at creating the crème de la crème in a comfortable English country house set between the English Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery England has to offer. The house itself dates from the 15th century and much of its historic charm remains.

Presiding over the stoves is Head Chef Michael Wilson, who returns to his native Lancashire after working his way around some of the finest Michelin starred restaurants. Dinner opens with a selection of delicious canapés served in the beautiful lounge and bar area whilst guests peruse the menus. A choice of six starters includes roast scallops with cauliflower puree and cumin foam or confit pork belly with roasted langoustines and bouillabaisse foam. For main courses choose between saddle of local venison and poached sea bass with creamed leeks and scallop velouté.

Those wanting to splash out might consider staying in one of Hipping Hall's stylish but comfortable bedrooms.

The Lunesdale Arms in Tunstall has become known in the area as a reliable place that serves good quality food and carefully selected wines and local ales in an environment that is warm, friendly and relaxed. The ambiance is simple and bright, encouraging customers to feel at ease.

The food is all homemade; the meat is from local farms so very much British, the salad leaves are grown organically, and the bread is baked in Lunesdale's own kitchens. Lunches take in steak, Guinness and mushroom pie, beer-battered fillet of haddock, and Welsh rarebit with homemade chilli jam. Expect to find potted salmon, slow-roasted belly of pork, and organic breast of chicken on a bed of roasted garlic mash, surrounded by diced winter vegetables at dinnertime.

The ubiquitous sticky toffee pudding and local cheeses with oatcakes appear on the dessert menu. A selection of beer and weekly changing ales as well as wine, spirits and liquor complement the food well.