Overlooking Harrogate’s famous Stray – 200 acres of lush parkland now reserved as a ‘common’ – this historic Grade II-listed building can trace its origins back to 1671, and stands on the site of the town’s first ever hostelry-with-rooms. At the heart of things is the Brasserie, which combines some grand original features with stylish modern add-ons and an accessible menu of up-to-the-minute dishes. Start with confit chicken and lobster terrine with salsify, shallot and micro-herb salad before moving on to duck, venison and rabbit pie with braised red cabbage or pan-seared swordfish with new potato tarte Tatin and beetroot textures. Grills also feature in the line-up, while desserts might range from chocolate and chestnut fondant with green apple coulis to blackberries ‘five ways’ (mousse, crumble, trifle, mille-feuille and ice cream). The Yorkshire cheeseboard is also worth exploring.