Doddington Hall

Doddington Hall is a fine example of a late Elizabethan mansion - in fact, its mellow brick exterior and walled courtyards have barely changed since the building was completed in 1600. The current inhabitants are descendents of Colonel George Jarvis, who inherited the property in 1830, and this 400-year-long family ownership means a visit here provides a unique insight into life through the decades and the running of a country estate.

An historical building this may be, but that doesn't mean the team at Doddington Hall is focussed solely on preserving the past - although, of course, they do an excellent job of just that, ensuring there is a well-conserved collection of furniture, paintings, textiles and household objects for visitors to enjoy. However, they have also created a café and restaurant that feature an up-to-the-minute mix of contemporary and classic decor. The café is an informal place to enjoy a filling breakfast, midmorning coffee, or hearty lunch like a classic ploughman's or Doddington herd beef burger. The restaurant, meanwhile, is a smart spot for a delectable meal made using produce from the Doddington kitchen garden, game from the estate when in season and ingredients from the locale. The dishes are simple and fuss-free, allowing the fresh produce to shine, and include starters such as pan-fried pigeon breast with kitchen garden borlotti bean, tomato and garlic stew, and mains like char-grilled Dover sole with crushed kitchen garden pink fir potatoes. There are also unmissable themed evenings, as well as a stunning events space that is ideal for corporate events and weddings