Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club

This may be a large golfing hotel, with spa and fitness facilities, but the Oaks Bar and Grill is a dining destination in its own right. Polished wooden tables, banquettes with scatter cushions, upholstered seats and a high wooden ceiling extending into the roof space, all contribute to a modern, stylish feel. The kitchen makes some international forays from its generally British base, so mackerel escabèche with pickled vegetables might appear among starters alongside a terrine of foie gras and duck confit with Cumberland sauce and orange jelly. A pheasant supper - a pie and mushroom-stuffed breast with celeriac purée - is a seasonal signature main course; otherwise expect pan-fried hake in beurre blanc with parsley creamed potatoes and broccoli polonaise, or honey-glazed brisket of beef with bubble-and-squeak and a port jus. Finish with classic crêpe Suzette or something like iced caramel and banana soufflé.