From country houses to cosy pubs, these eateries are some of the UK's most romantic restaurants. And as some have rooms why not make a flirty weekend of it?
North
Hipping Hall
Cowan Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancashire
Hipping Hall is a lovingly restored 17th century house draped in wisteria surrounded by stunning countryside – the Eden valley, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and Trough of Bowland. The restaurant is in a high-vaulted hall adorned with tapestries, and features a minstrels’ gallery and a large open fireplace. The smallest details have been considered to make the experience a gastronomic delight. The food has its origins in the traditional fare of Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria. Enjoy meats such as Goosnargh Chicken and Lakeland beef paired with seasonal vegetables plucked straight from the walled garden. There are also comfortable rooms to stay in. Delightful. Website.
The Star Inn
Harome, nr Helmsley, North Yorkshire
For romance, book a table in the cosy, atmospheric bar of this 700-year-old inn; the Star boasts a Michelin star and offers comfort – and comfort food – par excellence. Andrew Pern’s cuisine is British food at its best; he embraces the wealth of produce Yorkshire offers with a big bear hug. The Terrine of ham knuckle with spiced pineapple pickle and Braised Saddle of Rabbit with Grain Mustard are prime examples of Pern’s hearty, sensual food. Book a suite in one of the Black Eagle Cottages down the road in pretty Harome to complete your country break. Website.
South
Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons
Great Milton, Oxfordshire
Le Manoir is a beautiful house nestled in the village of Great Milton with a two Michelin starred restaurant, rooms, and an idyllic kitchen garden. As you would expect from Raymond Blanc, you’ll find modern French food of the highest quality, made with the freshest organic ingredients. Treat yourselves and discover the 10 course Decouverte Menu or go for the five course Les Classiques and feast on dishes such as Salad of pot-caught Cornish wild crab, mango, Oscietra caviar, and a bitter cocoa sorbet nestled in a pistachio soufflé; simply stunning. Website.
Sanctum on the Green
Cookham Green, Berkshire
Sanctum on the Green is a boutique hotel and restaurant situated in the picturesque and quintessentially English village of Cookham Dean. Having recently enlisted John Burton-Race as consultant executive-chef Sanctum on the Green offers rustic fare such as Pheasant with Lentils and Fondant Potato or Grilled Cornish Mackerel with Crushed Sweet Potato and Spicy Dipping Sauce. Stay in the Pool House for the ultimate luxury weekend. Website.
Restaurant Nathan Outlaw
Rock, Cornwall
Based in the St Endoc hotel the Michelin starred Nathan Outlaw offers a tranquil and luxurious dining experience. The food is developed from simple principles using the best seasonal Cornish produce and inparticular cornish seafood. Dishes like Wreck Fish Crab sauce & Sea Vegetables and Black Bream smoked with Picalilli are a testament to this. The décor is funky and minimal; a great place to take a date. Website.
Wales
The Drawing Room
Builth Wells, Powys, Wales
The Drawing Room is a restaurant with rooms, set in a building that started life as a Georgian country residence. The restaurant serves quality food, cooked simply with the freshest local ingredients. The dish of Tournedos of Welsh beef with caramelized shallot tarte tatin is a great example of this. The décor is classic and understated and the atmosphere friendly and accommodating. A self-styled restaurant with rooms, book the top-end B&B and make a weekend of it. Website.
Scotland
Number One
Balmoral, Edinburgh
The golden velvet banquettes and rich red lacquered walls shipped from Hong Kong give this sumptuous restaurant (pictured) an opulent and sophisticated ambience. Executive Chef Jeff Bland, alongside Head Chef Craig Sandle, place emphasis on innovative French dishes whilst promoting the best of Scotland by using only the finest and freshest local ingredients. Dishes include Braised Leg of partridge with Foie Gras and Pearl Barley and West Coast Scallops, Sweetcorn Purée, Pigs Cheek, Pak Choi, Peanuts, and Lime Jus. Website.
The Cellar
Anstruther, Scotland
The Cellar is a first class seafood restaurant tucked away behind Anstruther’s Scottish Fisheries Museum, just off the harbour front. The 17th century listed building, with its pretty cobbled courtyard garden, original beams, tiled floor and candlelit tables is a truly romantic setting. Peter Jukes (the Rick Stein of Scotland) sources fresh, local ingredients and does not over-elaborate the food, creating clean and sharp flavours. Dishes such as Veloute of wild mushroom and amontillado soup and Pesto-crusted fillet of coley on basil mash and pak choi demonstrate this. The service is friendly and attentive, making diners feel relaxed and at ease. Website.
By Constance Cooper and Debra Waters