Hartwell House Hotel, Restaurant & Spa

This magnificent stately home with its Jacobean and Georgian façades and splendid public rooms stands in 94 acres of landscaped parkland, complete with serpentine walks, a picturesque lake and a ruined church. Home to Louis XVIII - exiled King of France - for 5 years from 1809, inside it features a dramatic Gothic hall and staircase with Jacobean carved figures, as well as individually styled, elegant day-rooms with outstanding decorative ceilings and oak panelling, fine paintings and antiques. The high-ceilinged, neo-classical restaurant, with its wonderful views of the fantastic gardens, makes a graceful, understated backdrop for the talented kitchen's elaborate creations. This is thoughtful and imaginative cuisine with a classical foundation, distinguished by technical genius and quality ingredients. Pan-fried scallops with roasted celeriac purée, pea cress and coconut foam is a typical starter, followed by fillet of Sydenham Grange Farm beef with fondant potato, curly kale, confit shallot, braised oxtail and jus, or perhaps pan-fried sea bass with pumpkin gnocchi, spiced pumpkin purée and Chardonnay vinegar froth. To really do the place justice, try the six-course tasting menu. A luxurious spa completes the package, with light meals and snacks available in the Buttery.

2m SW of Aylesbury on A418 (Oxford road)
Nearest station: Aylesbury

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