Birmingham, Italian Restaurant Guide

This Victorian manor house (with 15 bedrooms) is one of the grand dames of the Midlands hospitality scene, although – under proprietors the Hills, who have owned it since 1986 – it is in the middle of repositioning itself not just as a hotel, but as a provider of ‘immersive staycation experiences’ as ‘a spiritual home for the food lover’. There’s a new sibling to Peel’s (see Smoke), a new trendy bakery in the grounds, and new suites opening in 2022. Peel’s itself occupies a wood panelled chamber and is still the main culinary event, where chef Darren Meacham produces a six-course tasting menu, matched with (sometimes funky natural) wine pairings. On all reports, “celebrating a special occasion at Peel’s is itself a truly special experience”.