Ardanaiseig Hotel by Loch Awe

Ardanaiseig is a country house built in Scottish baronial style during the reign of William IV. It sits on the north west shore of Loch Awe & the whole package here (loch, mountains, gardens, antique furniture) means that the hotel is an acclaimed romantic get-away. Chef Gary Goldie operates a four-course set menu at dinner; non residents are welcome but book ahead. The first course might be a properly intense veloute of Jerusalem artichoke topped with truffle oil; then comes a decent ravioli of lobster with savoy cabbage. Lamb with aubergine puree, garlic crisps, tomato confit, olive & caper jus is the main although Goldie could offer corn-fed chicken or wild sea bass instead, then a typical dessert is a very sweet & ample prune & armagnac souffle, or the cheese plate. Service is more homely than sharp & there are few bargains on the wine list but the thoughts of many diners will already have raced ahead to the four-poster upstairs to dwell on such details.