Oak Bank Hotel

When you are done exploring the beauty of the Lake District, this substantial Victorian house in the Lakeland village of Grasmere is a delightful place to end the day. Take a pre-dinner stroll down to the River Rothay which runs along the foot of the gorgeous gardens, then settle in to the luminous conservatory restaurant. Four-course menus change daily to make the most of what's fresh and in season, and offer a flexible format where you can go for two, three, or four courses. The kitchen aims to comfort rather than baffle, and has a strong leaning towards local suppliers. Going for three courses, dinner gets off to a flying start with a well-made terrine of local game served with shallot chutney and juniper dressing, before main course delivers crispy-skinned salmon with potato galette, roast and puréed cauliflower, scallop velouté, and poached cherry tomatoes, all looking as pretty as a picture.