Seaham Hall, County Durham

The uber-trendy Georgian building of Seaham Hall hotel, where the famed poet Lord Byron got married in the nineteenth century, is located near the sea, in a beautifully rugged setting.

The uber-trendy Georgian building of Seaham Hall hotel, where the famed poet Lord Byron got married in the nineteenth century, is located near the sea, in a beautifully rugged setting. Set amid elegant gardens, the exterior is classically stylish, while the interior is a more modern, muted colour scheme enlivened by beautiful sculptures. Chef Matthew Weedon's menu, which marries the classical with the contemporary, is strong on elaborate preparation and highly artistic presentation. Dishes on the menu include an imaginatively-conceived Mediterranean vegetable tian with herb goats cheese ravioli; roast scallops with cauliflower puree and pancetta; breast of Goosenargh duck, with foie gras, gratin potatoes, Savoy cabbage and baby turnips; sea bass with fricassee of baby leeks and morels in Madeira jus, and pineapple tarte Tatin with coconut sorbet. By far the coolest dish on the menu, however, has to be the warm chocolate fondant served with with Guinness ice cream.

Seaham Hall, Lord Byron's Walk, Seaham, County Durham, 0191 5161400, lunch all week 12-2.30pm, dinner all week 6.30-10pm. Meal for two, excl wine: £45