Umberleigh, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

“Wonderful food and excellent service” are a given at this peaceful Georgian manor house near Barnstaple in north Devon that has been a hotel for more than 50 years. Richie Herkes joined as head chef in 2003 and later added the role of general manager, ensuring a rare consistency of performance that is reflected in the excellent ratings. Dinners of three courses for £55 per person or six courses for £70 per person are served in a dining room with murals; and there is an “interesting wine list presented by a sommelier who knows his stuff without being patronising”.