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This handsome Edwardian country house with secluded, landscaped gardens draws in both business and leisure travellers, thanks to its location close to the A21 and antique shops, beaches, castle and vineyards for those who seek outdoor pleasures. The joys of staying at  Claverton Country House cannot be passed up easily, what with their neatly furnished bedrooms that come equipped with a mini-bar, flat screen LCD TVs and free wi-fi.

The themes of conviviality and relaxation spill into The Dining Room as well and guests are presented with a strikingly fresh interpretation of British cuisine, whilst placing emphasis on local sourcing. Wild cep mushroom soup with white truffle oil dressing and Thai chicken filo rolls make an impression, and so do main courses of skillet seared Gressingham duck with sweet red cabbage and crème de cassis sauce, and cod loin wrapped in Parma ham with Mediterranean potatoes. Desserts continue in a satisfying vein with two old favourites. a bread and butter pudding and Eton mess.

Simply Italian is an exciting little refuge for all those who love their food fresh, wholesome and authentic. Families enjoy relaxing in the restaurant's warm and affable environment as the owners introduce them to the best of Italian cuisine and culture.

The simple ambience and cheerful service of this family owned destination add to the joy of dining there. Children are considered their most important guests, and that means there are delightful choices such as pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, and desserts to please all the junior appetites.

Among the specials, expect to find pollo alla of chicken breast topped with mozzarella and Parma ham cooked in a cherry tomato sauce with garlic, served with sautéed potatoes and chargrilled vegetables; grilled fillet of lemon sole in white wine, lemon, butter and parsley as well as the more familiar salads and pastas. Wines and spirits to accompany your order are available both by the glass and bottle.

The elegant Nobles Restaurant is situated in the small market town of Battle, and owner and Chef Paul Noble delights in serving simple, classic fare from a seasonal menu. The beautifully renovated dining rooms have comfortable locally made chairs, delicate table linen and sparkling cutlery.

Amongst their well-presented dishes, a risotto of Wealdway ash goats' cheese and Noble's garden herbs provides a flavoursome start. Chargrilled sirloin of Romney Marsh beef, seared mackerel fillets with green beans, anchovies and pickle, or roast wood pigeon, rösti potato and wild mushrooms, could follow. The carefully chosen wines go well with the food. A range of desserts that might include sticky toffee pudding or bitter chocolate tart is always available.

Local produce from farms and markets in and around the historic town of Battle is used wherever possible. Noble's afternoon menu with fresh sandwiches, homemade cakes, scones and pots of tea is also popular with the customers.

Simplicity is the key to some of the delicious food that emerges from the kitchen of Pilgrims, located in the shadow of the abbey, on the site of a 12th century monastic hospital. Today, the building has been refurbished extensively and this Grade 2 listed restaurant is a family friendly rustic café and restaurant. The uncomplicated menu focuses on using fresh natural ingredients without masking them with unnecessary flavours, and everything is locally produced. This is wholesome food prepared with complete dedication, where fish is served whole, meat and game are cooked in their own juices or char grilled with a few seasonal herbs.

In summer, try out the chilled soup and then move on to a selection of hors d'oeuvres such as smoked seafood, chicken liver parfait, crudités and mayonnaise. After that, there's blackened butterflied leg of lamb, spring onion and cherry tomatoes, ending with a lemon tart and Northiam dairy cream. The Pilgrims is a wonderful venue for receptions, particularly at night when the entire building is candlelit.

This is a place very much dedicated to the wedding industry so probably a good idea to check carefully before planning a weekend visit. Located at the very heart of 1066 and all that country, it was formerly a gunpowder factory, but you wouldn't know that by looking at the elegant Georgian orangery restaurant.

A three-course dinner drawn from a wide range of mainly well-known dishes with modern flair added will cost you £29.50, while they have an a la carte as well. Taking the former option consider starting with the carpaccio of herb seared tuna, parmesan and roquette salad or chicken liver and nutmeg gateaux, peppercorn wine reduction with poached apples.

Having recently watched Rick Stein doing wonderful things with venison I would probably then go for the roast loin of venison with a cannon (oh, yes, very humorous) potato, spinach and venison mousse and a redcurrant and rosemary sauce.

Searching in vain for a bombe surprise the dark chocolate and walnut mousse, vanilla syrup, walnut ice cream or carpaccio of pineapple, pina colada ice cream with pineapple compote would probably have to fill the omission. The wine list is well-spread round the globe.

Leeford Place Hotel is situated within the historic 1066 countryside, ten minutes from Battle Abbey. Eighteen ensuite bedrooms ensure guests have a comfortable stay while at Leeford.

Ryders Restaurant uses produce from neighbouring areas whenever possible - fish comes straight from the boats in Hastings, meat and poultry from local butchers and fruit and vegetables from nearby farms.

Try minute steak and fries in the lounge bar or head straight to the restaurant and sample delights such as smoked salmon and scrambled egg with buttered wholemeal bread for breakfast, tenderloin of pork with sage and apples, wrapped in bacon, or stuffed aubergine with apricot and coriander cous cous for lunch or dinner and finish with a lovely poached pear with hot chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. You could pop in for sandwiches or fresh cream scones and tea in the afternoon.

Leeford's picturesque setting makes it a wonderful place for weddings, conferences or just a relaxing meal.