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Just a cannonball's trajectory away from Stirling Castle and minutes away from the National Wallace Monument, the area surrounding The River House Restaurant is steeped deep into history. Sitting beside a small loch, the restaurant has a distinctive roof and a charmingly pleasant exterior whilst the interior is imaginatively decorated with creative lighting and artistic bric-a-brac. The glass panelled windows and doors bring in lots of sun and provide some excellent views of the castle.

Classical dishes with a contemporary spin grace the kitchen that focuses on locally sourced quality ingredients to produce precision in the depth of flavour. So expect to be lured by the likes of griddled Scottish sirloin steak with a wild mushroom and Dijon mustard jus, spinach and ricotta ravioli topped with a parmesan and pine nut crust along with a small tossed salad, and grilled sole fillets layered with smoked halibut and a dill, lemon and Pernod dressing.

To complement the meal, a good range of wines is to hand.

The No. 55 Grill Restaurant at the Best Western Royal Hotel, Bridge of Allan features a modern British menu, with a range of local favourites, using fresh seasonal produce, and offering vegetarian and healthy food options. An elegant ambience, accentuated with low lighting and crisp linen, allows guests to unwind at leisure.

The dinner menu at No. 55 offers wild Isle of Skye sliced smoked salmon, pan fried crab and potato sandwich, split pea and ham soup, roasted herb crusted rack of lamb, baked crisp pork shank with crackling and spiced apple sauce, and the day's fish with seared scallops. The grill offers roast Chateaubriand of Aberdeen Angus, sirloin steak and ribeye chop. Call it a day with warm callabuat chocolate fondant, rich sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce or a board of farmhouse and Scottish cheeses. Complement the meal with a selection from the carefully compiled wine list or sample a fine selection of Scottish malts and liqueurs.