Forget everything that you think you know about Indian food
- & allow the superlative Benares to transport you to an exotic place
...

Since acquiring famed Yorkshire dining institution Box Tree, husband & wife team Simon & Rena Gueller have taken this restaurant to new & magical heights. One of the oldest buildings in Ilkley, the Box Tree is a former farmhouse, dating back to 1720. Today it mixes modern efficiency & sepia-tinted charm to house a restaurant that is laden with awards. The modern French classical menu & extensive wine cellar offer food lovers an unforgettable experience. Simons commitment to the best ingredients, with an emphasis on locally sourced supplies will entice food lovers. Favourites include roast sea scallops, celeriac puree, white truffle oil & the impressive signature souffles. Location: ...

The delightful Hambleton Hall, just outside Oakham, was originally built as a hunting lodge in the late 19th century. Nearly 150 years on, it is a charming hotel, with many period features & a restaurant aimed directly at the discerning gourm&. Led by head chef Aaron Patterson, Hambleton Hall is a dining experience to treasure. Seasonal menus change daily, but whatever you choose, rest assured this is skilled cooking fuelled by a rare passion. The wine list, under the unparalleled stewardship of sommelier Dominique Baduel, is one of the finest in the country. Sophisticated dining has never been so welcoming. Location: ...

The younger sibling of Pied à Terre, LAutre Pied is no less heralded. Since opening its doors in 2007, it has won a string of awards & was awarded its first Michelin-star in 2009. Situated in the stylish district of Marylebone, the restaurant is more informal than its bigger brother, & its relaxed atmosphere provokes a lively & convivial setting. Contemporary chic is the emphasis here
- rose wood floors, wooden floors & linen napkins complete the simplicity. The food is bold & daring
- the chef creates dishes that demand attention. Across the five courses of its seasonal menu, plus a glass of fizz, you will experience imaginative cooking like never before. Location:

...

La Becasse is located in the heart of the picturesque town of Ludlow & holds one Michelin-star, awarded in 2009. The stunning ...

Ockenden Manor is housed in an historic Elizabethan manor house in one of the prettiest villages in southern Engl&. This is the spot to get away from the stress & strain of modern living. The dining room, is decorated in a fusion of classic & modern styles with far reaching views across the gardens towards the South Downs National Park. The warm welcome extends to the alluring food
- specialities here include a ballotine of sea trout, tomato & goat cheese terrine, lamb with confit fennel, corn-fed chicken, apple tart & an Earl Grey crème brûlee. The ingredients are delightful. Fresh, seasonal food has never tasted so good. Without doubt, a textbook spot to celebrate an anniversary or two, or perhaps even pop the all-important question! Location:
...

Modern Italian food can be a tricky proposition to pull off. However, the superb Semplice will seduce even the staunchest ...

Many come to The Royal Oak because of its connections with Sir Michael Parkinson (he owns this quintessentially English country pub) but they leave enthusing about the food. Make no mistake, this is modern British food at its finest. No less an authority than Michael Winner has declared his meal at The Royal Oak to be the best hes ever had & doubtless youll agree. Chef Dominic Chapman utilises seasonal produce better than most, instinctively knowing what to use & when to leave well alone. For reviving the classic Scotch egg, Chapman is worthy of all the praise that comes his way but there is much more to devour here. The dessert list will have you signing up for that much talked about gym membership; baked Alaska, lemon posset, steamed butterscotch pudding… Location: ...

Housed in a former Flemish weavers cottage in Kent that dates back to the 15th century, The West House reeks of charm, tradition & conviviality
- the beamed interior harking back to its past life. A family run concern, a warm welcome is assured. No austere dining here. Thats not to say the food isnt sophisticated. Graham Garretts award-winning seasonal fare has been packing them in since 2002 in the picturesque village of Biddenden. The emphasis here is on letting the ingredients shine
- that means fresh, timely produce & quality meat, game & fish that enables a meal to truly sing. The superb wine list complements the food. In short, unarguably one of the best restaurants around. Location:

...

Since opening in 2007, Turners has consistently wowed Birminghams discerning gourmands. Moreover, the critics thought likewise, only two years after opening its doors it was awarded the highest culinary accolade
- a Michelin star. This is testament to Chef Richard Turners original mission statement, which was to provide classic cooking using the freshest seasonal produce in a relaxed & friendly atmosphere. The restaurant itself is simple, crisp & unfussy; the staff are knowledgeable & attentive & the wine list is extensive & expertly sourced. But its the food thats the real godsend here & the choice of a three course meal or an eight course tasting menu means that you can sample Richard Turners acclaimed cooking in an ideal setting. Location:
...