If 2 AA Rosettes and listings in the Michelin and Good Food Guide are anything to go by, then we can be sure that the Restaurant at The Forest Hotel takes its cooking and artistic surroundings seriously. The dining area is well decorated with dark furniture, comfortable sofas and artwork adorning the walls, setting the tone for a peaceful meal.

The menu shows some flair and innovation with dishes such as blue cheese pannacotta with tomato jelly and rice tuile or the poached sea bass delivered with sun-dried tomato and chorizo risotto and tempura oyster. If you're on a meat mission the roasted Cornish lamb with celeriac and hotpot and 28 day aged Scotch rib eye steak should appeal. The menu du jour takes in a white bean and pancetta soup, baked salmon with ratatouille and rosemary oil, and steamed treacle sponge for dessert. For private dining facilities, ask about the Claret or Olive Room.