Crowne Plaza Resort Colchester - Five Lakes

Following a multi-million-pound refurbishment at this resort hotel - with its two 18-hole golf courses, country club and swish spa - the spacious main restaurant has been re-branded 'Brasserie 1'. In tune with its relaxed, contemporary outlook, the kitchen's classic British comfort food - with emphasis on quality ingredients and freshness - fits the bill to a tee. Expect the likes of a fillet of sea bass teamed with pesto and lemon barley risotto, watercress and a parmesan tuile, or loin of local pork served with mustard mash and a cider sauce, while a range of steaks (21-day dry-aged rib-eye, maybe, with vine tomatoes, flat mushrooms, thick chips and Café de Paris butter) are a perennial favourite. Finish with a warm Bakewell tart and raspberry ripple ice cream.