Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

The picturesque hotel in the heart of Dorset, partly designed by local author and architect Thomas Hardy (yes, the Thomas Hardy), offers the ideal rural retreat for getting away from it all. A former dower house, the luxurious hotel boasts delightful grounds and gardens and a sumptuous lounge with open fire. The design of the split-level restaurant is all about fabrics, fabrics and more fabrics. Soft furnishings are as tactile as they come and provide an impressive level of comfort representing an antithesis to the ubiquitous modern chic minimalism so often employed by refurbished country-house hotels these days. A conservatory area gives views of the 4-acre walled garden. Carefully presented dishes and assured cooking exhibit the kitchen's fine pedigree, with local Dorset produce used in abundance. The tasting menu, available with matching wines, may offer cannelloni of Cornish brill, tomato purée, samphire and champagne, while from the carte comes first-class loin of venison, served with Puy lentils, celeriac purée, a 'confit' of baby carrots and a truffle jus. The wine list has an excellent geographical spread and the sommelier offers sound advice.

1.5m off A37 between Yeovil and Dorchester
Nearest station: Yeovil Junction & Dorchester

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