Santo's Higham Farm Hotel

This 15th-century farmstead has evolved over the years into a rambling small-scale hotel run with sincere charm by hands-on owner Santo Cusimano. It is a hideaway made for hiking through Derbyshire's wild landscapes, and even if you're not up to taking on the great outdoors, armchair ramblers can bask in uplifting views over the Amber Valley. The comfy candlelit dining room is done out in a reassuringly traditional way with linen-clad tables, and the food is equally unpretentious, comforting stuff wrought from well-chosen local ingredients. Expect Italian-inspired ideas along the lines of pheasant meatballs with tomato sauce and parmesan crisp, followed by classic combinations such as goose fillet with cranberry relish, fondant potato, braised chicory and port jus, or daube of beef with root vegetables and red wine sauce. Finish with white chocolate pannacotta served with a spiced apple samosa.