Rushton Hall

As befits its magnificent location in the heart of historic Rushton Hall (the inspiration for Haversham Hall in Dickens’ Great Expectations), the restaurant is grandly attired with swathes of oak linen-fold panelling, an impressive fireplace & well-spaced tables. The setting belies the sharpness & busy enterprise of the kitchen, which has something for every occasion. At lunch, pick a dish from the brasserie menu (dressed Norfolk crab salad, say) or opt for the good-value set deal (£19.95) – perhaps pea velouté followed by roast Gressingham duck, with carrot cake to finish. In the evening, expect more ambitious dishes such as scallops with quail’s egg yolk, peas, smoked ham & pineapple ahead of loin of veal served with artichoke barigoule, serrano ham, tomato marmalade & Kalamata olives. With its gorgeous, peaceful surrounds, Rushton Hall is also a popular venue for weddings, receptions & conferences.