Clocktower Brasserie at Rudding Park Hotel

With an 18-hole golf course, spa and in-house cinema, this grand Regency pile set in 300 acres of grounds not far from Harrogate is naturally a prime-time leisure retreat with all mod cons. Formal meals take place in the Clocktower Restaurant – a stylish dining room with views of the gardens and a striking hand-made pink chandelier hanging over proceedings.

The kitchen gives Yorkshire ingredients a modern Euro-themed workout, from Whitby crab and cucumber ‘cannelloni’ with pickled samphire and curry oil to Holme Farm venison cutlet with crispy bone marrow, chicory tarte Tatin, baby carrots and pommes Anna. Grilled 28-day aged steaks are a big seller, while desserts might feature an assiette of Yorkshire rhubarb or iced banoffi parfait with peanut butter truffles. Alternatively, eat in the bright conservatory with its 400-year-old Catalonian olive tree and patio doors opening onto the terrace.