The Dower House

As charming locations go, the Royal Crescent Hotel’s central position in this celebrated piece of Georgian architecture takes some beating. And, as it happens the Dower House, set in the garden, is worth seeking out for its cooking, too. Phil Dixon's modern British take on such dishes as ham hock tortellini with Meaux mustard & caper dressing & smoked garlic cream, ahead of slow braised shoulder of spring lamb with roast lamb rump, aubergine caviar & provencale vegetables, or baked sea bass with creamed butter beans, ceps & Madeira jus is seasonal & fresh. None of it comes cheap, though, & the wine list is similarly pricey but given the standard of cooking & setting, you’re unlikely to feel robbed.