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Head chef David Jenkins cooks to an interesting menu with a sure touch; the flavours are intense but uncomplicated. First courses might include seared Falmouth bay scallops with caraway caramel, cauliflower and baby herbs and pan roasted breast of wood pigeon, wild mushrooms and hazelnut vinaigrette. To follow expect to see pan-fried fillet of brill, crisp belly pork, braised gem, and smoked bacon. To offer a set dinner menu of this sort of quality from £36 represents more than ordinarily good value, and with lunch from £14.95 an even better bargain. The clever wine list follows the trend with quality house wines from £19.50.

Yet another superbly located hotel within Dartmoor National Park, you can enjoy your meal in the restaurant whilst the working water wheel grinds on . . and on . . The menu tends to take traditional dishes and give them a modern makeover with mainly beneficial results. There is abundant evidence of those items that go to make eating in Devon such a gloriously indulgent activity, including some of the fine local cheeses. House wine available at £11.50.

Surrounded by lush greenery, tinkling waterfalls and a simply stunning landscape, Gidleigh Park is nestled in the Dartmoor National Park and has become a favourite destination for those wishing to escape the confines of the city. Refurbished in 2006, all 24 rooms contain up to the minute comforts and their 2 Michelin starred restaurant, run by Michael Caines MBE since 1994, rounds off the experience beautifully.

For dinner, you could choose from pan fried Brixham scallops with parsnip and vanilla purée and a ginger jus for starters and follow it up with a roast Gressingham duckling with Savoy cabbage, braised turnips, roast garlic and a lightly spiced honey sauce. Desserts range from the elaborate passion fruit mousse to the deceptively simple apple tart and their wine cellar, containing more than 650 bins, produces a list that is extensive and accommodates most preferences.