Middlethorpe Hall Restaurant

Middlethorpe Hall has so many seductions, you'll want to stay and stay. It is a fine country house hotel built in 1699, overlooking York racecourse, with lovely gardens, a spa, and excellent food.

The wood-panelled dining room overlooks the beautiful gardens, and is adorned with white linen, candles, marble fireplace, and silver cutlery. Gentlemen should plan to wear a jacket and tie in the evening, but the atmosphere is unstuffy and relaxed. The modern British menu features starters like courgette flowers filled with goats cheese, ratatouille and gazpacho dressing, and layered terrine of goose and apples, green grapes and verjuice.

Mains include Whitby cod with tagliatelli pasta, baby leeks and ragout of mussels and scallops, or fricassee of lamb with baby artichokes and truffles. Seperate vegetarian menu. Chef's gourmet menu changes monthly.