Lakeside Park Hotel

The Isle of Wight is generally regarded as a step back in time, so this slick purpose-built contemporary hotel is an exciting, forward-looking addition to the island's portfolio. The Lakeside Park comes with all the pampering spa facilities, a smart bar and all-day brasserie dining that 21st-century visitors expect to see, and as a bonus, the soothing location overlooks a 20-acre tidal lake, which is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The serious foodie action takes place in the Oyster Room, where a contemporary European approach brings on assured, intricate and adventurous dishes. A summer dinner gets under way with the textural contrasts of creamy veal sweetbreads, carrot purée and crisps, smoked bacon choucroute and a Chardonnay reduction. Beautifully-presented, locally-sourced fish comes next: a thick steak of line-caught brill teamed with asparagus, truffle, and a shellfish reduction. The ideas keep coming at dessert, with chocolate mousse and lime zest, coconut jelly and banana sorbet.