Located within a historic 12th-century domicile in the ancient heart of Lincoln, The Jews House has been home to various restaurants in recent years, and is currently undergoing a renaissance – thanks to the arrival of local boy Gavin Aitkenhead. Inside, it’s a warm mix of old stone walls, tapestries and designer wallpaper, with immaculate table settings and “complete attention to detail” in every department. The kitchen aims high, sending out pretty plates of miso-glazed pork belly with tiger prawns and melon sorbet or crab tart with sweetcorn foam and fennel salad ahead of Cornish cod baked in chermoula with chickpea and tomato dressing to roast and sous-vide lamb with confit belly, white beans and artichokes. To finish, take your pick from a strawberry Arctic roll with buttermilk pannacotta or dark chocolate ganache with yuzu curd and gingerbread crisp. “Excellent service” seals the deal.