Leicester, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“A perfect country retreat!”. The crunch of gravel on the drive and “beautiful views” set the scene at Tim Hart’s “beautiful” hotel (a fine mansion once owned by the Hoare banking family, and constructed long before Rutland Water which it nowadays overlooks). It offers a “pampering” experience “which makes no compromises to quality” in a very traditional style that’s occasionally thought to be “stiff” but more commonly elicits nothing but rave reviews. Aaron Patterson has overseen the kitchen here since 1992, and his “exceptional classic cuisine” is “beautifully presented with amazing flavours”. It’s not an inexpensive experience, but no-one considers it overpriced: “we rarely feel we can afford it, but it’s always turned out to be a pleasure!” – “a self-indulgent treat that makes one feel good days or even weeks later”.

“Everything is first class” at chef John Duffin’s acclaimed venture set on his family’s farm (which provides much of the produce for the menu). His seasonal cuisine (with the option of a seven-course blow-out) delivers a “superb” “taste-sensation” and yet it “does not try too hard”. Staff provide an “immediate warm welcome” and “obviously care about what they do”. Top Tip – “Set lunch is very good value for such top notch food”.