Lincoln, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“Set in a very atmospheric old building on Steep Hill” – the second oldest house in the country, circa 1170, according to Historic England – you’ll find what is by many accounts the “best fine-dining restaurant in Lincoln”. “Excellent food and service” are provided by Gavin Aitkenhead, chef-patron for almost 20 years, and FOH manager Samantha Tomkins.

Things look cute and ivy-clad on the outside, and properly quirky on the inside (copper kettles hang from the eaves, there’s comedy taxidermy and, most dramatically, an 18 feet-deep well between the lounge and restaurant), at this gastroboozer in one of the villages on the outskirts of Lincoln. The British pub grub (steak and ale pies, Grimsby-landed haddock) is largely locally sourced and was soundly rated.