The Elms Hotel

A pupil of Sir Christopher Wren built this imposing Queen Anne mansion in 1710, but fast forward 300 years and you'll find a rather more relaxed, family-oriented ethos going on in The Elms than its stern façade might suggest. Children and stylish surroundings with excellent cuisine are not mutually exclusive here. There is always something going on to keep children occupied while adults make the most of their down time in glorious surroundings amid antiques, carved fireplaces, ornate ceilings, or de-stress in the swish health spa. While the youngsters are in the capable hands of professional child minders, dinner in the smart Brooke Restaurant is an adults-only affair. Expect technically adept, modern cooking with imaginative combinations of flavour and texture, perhaps red gurnard with bloody Mary jelly, tomato concasse and basil to start, followed by fillet of Hereford beef with beef croquette, cauliflower, truffle and honey; enticing fish preparations might include pancetta-wrapped monkfish with chicken confit ravioli, butter-glazed carrots and ginger.