Hart's Hotel

Opposite the smart boutique hotel of the same name, in Nottingham's old General Hospital, Hart's has a contemporary finish (smart, neutral colour tones, some booth seating and tables laid with white linen) and a menu which deals in first-class produce, handled with intelligence and respect. The attention to detail shown all round is no surprise given the connections to Hambleton Hall (see entry), including the wine list, which is compiled by Tim Hart. There are plenty of options here, from a great value set lunch, pre-theatre menu and a bespoke vegetarian menu which is a definite cut above the average. From the carte - with its sensible six or so choices per course - you might start with beetroot and walnut salad with goats' cheese beignets and compressed comice pear, which looks great on the plate and has well judged flavours and textures. Next up, perhaps rump of beef Diane with 'Koffmann' cabbage, rösti potato, crispy beef marrow, watercress and shallots, or a whole roast turbot with hollandaise sauce. To finish, kaffir lime baked Alaska, citrus and passionfruit is one way to go, or try apple crumble in soufflé form, served with crème anglaise.