Bampton, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

Scenic battlements on the roof and exotic topiary in the surrounding manicured gardens set a grand scene at this Grade 1 listed mansion – dating from the 1200s and owned by the family of its current owners since 1724 (who converted it into a restaurant with rooms a dozen years ago). Head Chef Richard Swale presents a six-course tasting menu for £140 per person. The wine list is the preserve of ‘Maître de Maison’ Nico Chieze and is a prime feature – “a truly outstanding wine list which is a real labour of love” presented as “a great bible… you need to allow time to look at it all”.

Occupying a site that was once the village post office and telephone exchange (and initially a smithy), this Lakeland bistro is nowadays part of a grand-ish restaurant with eight rooms that sits in a scenic village on the shores of Ullswater. Feedback was limited this year but rated it as “very good all-round”. Chef Phil Corrie is a local lad and offers a well-established choice here of three-course à la carte menu for £85 per person and also a seven-course tasting menu (the latter for £130 per person).