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This delightfully different, intimate hotel and restaurant, a listed former rectory, nestles on the sunny side of the river Erme valley in the picturesque hamlet of South Hams, a beautiful part of south Devon. It is just a short distance away from picturesque estuaries and beaches, the wilderness of Dartmoor, charming market towns and stunning countryside.

The distinctive food, recognised by the Michelin Guide, is seriously sourced and prepared, and cooked with obvious passion. The repertoire includes char- grilled turbot and seared scallops with crab and champagne sauce and vegetables from the hotel's garden; crisp skinned Devon duckling with roast plums, onion and garlic cream, roast baby beetroot and a Pinot Noir jus, and shortbread of garden gooseberries and a tuile of elderflower sorbet with a vanilla seed pannacotta and crushed hazelnut praline.

The wine list boasts some precious finds from serious though lesser known producers, and the after-dinner drinks collection is openly displayed on the bar. A destination for all seasons, Plantation House makes an ideal base for a chic gourmet treat, that restful escape or a romantic rendezvous.

The Inn has an excellent reputation and within two months of opening following a major refurbishment in 2004, had been awarded an AA Rosette. Great use is made of locally sourced ingredients, in particular fresh vegetables, often grown within sight of the Inn.

Head chef Graham Ledwith works with a menu that changes every two weeks, reinforced by daily specials and overall there is maximum flexibility of choice between their various menus. In 2005 this reflection of their consideration for the customer helped to earn them Les Routiers Best Dining Pub of the Year Award.

Expect to find steamed limosa farm mussels in a white wine, coriander and citrus sauce, or goat's cheese crostini with home made pesto for starters, before moving on to grilled fillet of cod with shell fish and garlic butter sauce as a main course. The honey roasted loin of pork with black pudding mash and char grilled aubergine is popular, and be sure not to miss some of those handcut Dartmoor Union fries, with sea salt and cracked pepper.

This, of course, is Devon so look for some of that gorgeous cream amongst the puddings. The surrounding countryside is rich in good walks, so you really have no excuse.