Hambleton Hall

One of England's first country house hotels, Hambleton Hall was considered ground-breaking when it opened in 1980; a feeling of luxury still pervades today, with its traditionally styled interior enhanced by the idyllic setting on the shore of Rutland Water. Aaron Patterson has headed up the stoves since 1992 and there’s a dependability to the cooking here; accomplished seasonal dishes have a classical base with distinct flavours and plenty of modern touches. Bread comes from their own artisan bakery and the 400-bin wine list is a real labour of love.

What makes it distinctive

• Country-house setting on Rutland Water, with a traditionally styled interior.
• Long-held Michelin star: the kitchen has been led by Aaron Patterson since 1992.
• Serious cellar: a 400-bin wine list anchors the dining room.

Signature ingredients

• Seasonal British produce, cooked with a classical base and modern touches.
• House bread, baked by the property’s own artisan bakery.
• Fish and game-led plates, shaped by what suppliers deliver.

Dinner offer (example menu)

• Three-course “Sunday to Thursday Supper Special”: £95 per person.

Representative dishes (subject to change)

• Beef shin tortellino, tomato consommé
• Seared fillet of seabass, barigoule sauce
• Ballotine of corn-fed chicken, morel mushrooms, wild garlic
• Chocolate tart, orange sorbet

Service charge: 12.5%.