There are few places that truly take your breath away, but the stunning sight of Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, amidst its 500 acres of woods, parklands and beautifully kept gardens, does exactly that. This 17th-Century country retreat is one of the UK’s finest stately homes, offering a unique blend of understated opulence and a genuinely warm welcome. Free from stuffiness and pretension, Stapleford offers total relaxation whilst maintaining the very highest standards of hospitality and service, and this excellence is perhaps exemplified in the dining experience it provides. Grinling Gibbons dining room offers unrivalled fine dining, allowing guests to enjoy absolute decadence, whilst the more informal Pavilion serves throughout the day and is a more laid-back affair.

The menu at the magnificent, recently refurbished, Stapleford Park combines influences from all over Europe, making the most of produce that is locally available and in season. The result is a selection of regularly changing dishes, expertly designed and executed by the head chef. You might find yourself sampling a starter of seared scallops with Jerusalem artichokes and oscietra caviar, or perhaps pressing of goat’s cheese with a truffle and walnut dressing. Mains offer roasted sea bass with peas à la Française and fondant potato, or tender loin of lamb with boulanger potatoes, savoy cabbage and smoked bacon. This year has also seen the introduction of a lunchtime menu, with two courses from just £18.50. If your preference is for a less formal meal, The Pavilion’s daily menu offers gourmet sandwiches, salads and classic hearty mains like beer-battered cod.

If you have something special to celebrate, Stapleford Park can cater for just about any type of function. The country-home atmosphere lends itself perfectly to wedding receptions and they can even facilitate civil ceremonies. Stapleford Park offers so much more than fabulous dining, and it is not only the gourmand who should make this grandest of hotels their next destination for a weekend away.