Burnham Beeches Hotel

An early Georgian house in 10 acres of grounds, the corporately owned Burnham Beeches stands in a rural spot sufficiently tranquil to have inspired Thomas Gray to have composed his celebrated Elegy here. He is honoured in the name of Grays Restaurant, a pair of interlinked rooms, one panelled, with views over the attractive gardens. The kitchen turns out a confident version of modern British food, adding a portion of grilled gilt head bream to Niçoise salad in citrus dressing to start, and then garnishing rump of lamb with cumin-spiked couscous and chargrilled veg. Finish with rhubarb and apple crumble with ginger ice cream and vanilla sauce.