Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club

A big hotel with lots going on - golf and spa for a start - the Forest of Arden Marriott is well-positioned for the East Midlands hub, and its Oaks Bar and Grill is a restaurant of note in its own right. There's a bold carpet, leather banquettes, straight-backed chairs and scatter cushions giving it a bright and breezy modish feel, and views over the grounds are an added bonus. On the menu, straightforward grills rub shoulders with more inventive things; a classic combination of warm figs and Parma ham is paired with bucks fizz jelly and sweet saffron syrup, followed perhaps by baked fillet of haddock with a poached egg, curried sauce and sautéed greens. To finish, strawberry Arctic Roll, vanilla pannacotta and compôte is a good bet.