Hambleton Hall

‘We have been staying at Hambleton Hall for over 20 years and have never been disappointed; the service is impeccable, the room immaculate, and the food outstanding.’ The praises keep on coming for Tim and Stefa Hart’s ‘star’ Relais & Châteaux hotel, a Victorian mansion which embodies the classic English country house style from its ‘stunning manicured gardens’ overlooking Rutland Water to its sweep of public rooms with panelled walls, deep sofas and open fires. On arrival, suitcases are whisked away while you settle down to tea and biscuits. Bedrooms are classic country house: rich fabrics and wallpapers, antiques, a roll-top bath, fresh flowers and home-made treats. All have ‘uplifting views’ of garden or lake and ‘exceptionally good’ housekeeping. With the UK’s longest-held Michelin star, the rich red dining room offers ‘magnificent food’, such as duck with peanut purée, roast venison with butternut squash and dark chocolate, and quince soufflé with almond ice cream. Service throughout the hotel is ‘consistently of a very high standard – it’s challenging to find anywhere else that comes near’. (Roderic Rennison, Frances Thomas, AB)