Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel

At the foot of Box Hill by the River Mole, the Burford Bridge is in a peaceful spot (though not far from the A24), as may be appreciated by those availing themselves of the outdoor pool or the croquet lawn. A beige-hued modern dining room, the Emlyn, is the setting for some gently tweaked, traditionally-based cooking, along the lines of oxtail soup with herb dumplings, grilled haddock with shrimp butter and parsley mash, or breast and cabbage-wrapped confit leg of duck in sloe gin sauce. Interesting ideas for pudding include chocolate and rosemary soufflé with orange biscotti, or praline parfait with wine- and cinnamon-poached pear.