Losehill House Hotel & Spa

Tucked away down an unassuming lane among Peak District villages, Losehill is a hidden gem. Attractive formal gardens and a well-restored, understated interior set the tranquil tone, which is enhanced by the hillside views of the Orangery restaurant. The cooking aims for modern informality, rather than country-manor grandiosity, but is nonetheless carefully considered. A starter of pigeon on pain d'épice with roast pear and braised chicory might kick things off, and be followed by sea bream accompanied by a crab cake, tangled strips of leek and carrot and hollandaise enriched with chorizo. An inventive touch with desserts brings on Madagascan chocolate pudding with lemongrass ice cream, white chocolate and ginger mousse and a sumac tuile, and there are fine English and Welsh cheeses too.