Here’s a serious vote of confidence; Vespers Restaurant at the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke was awarded an AA rosette within two weeks of opening. The Apollo is a luxury 4-star hotel and its 35-cover restaurant combines a warm and relaxed atmosphere with impressive cooking that looks as good as it tastes. Why not start with the crab and lobster spring roll flavoured with a sweetcorn cream, and follow with tender lamb medallions served with Dauphinoise potatoes and a celeriac mash. Alternatively follow with pork cutlets with black pudding croquette and an English apple and sage sauce. For dessert finish with the delightful Baileys crème brûlée with an almond biscuit or the light carrot cake with a ginger mascarpone and cinnamon ice cream.