What was once a large period farmhouse with outbuildings has been converted to the delightful Rivenhall Hotel in the late 1960s, now with an oak-beamed Wildberry Bistro, a large banqueting suite, 55 bedrooms and a hi-life fitness centre, it certainly makes a remarkable bid for attention.

If you're toying with the idea of trying some bistro favourites take you pick from sautéed duck liver and raspberry vinegar, to smoked salmon served with a warm blini and a chives crème fraîche. Main courses too follow suit with the chef's signature dish of supreme of chicken filled with garlic and lime mousse with Parmesan cheese risotto and tomato salsa giving it that peppy complement it needs. Desserts of iced banana and praline parfait and spiced poached pineapple served with vanilla bean ice cream also create an impression.

There's plenty of activity to keeps outdoor enthusiasts busy, with the neighbouring historical towns of Colchester and Chelmsford not too far away.