The River Grille

You might expect another forgettable hotel restaurant, but The River Grille surprises with its genuine commitment to proper cooking. The dining room strikes that sweet spot between smart and welcoming – crisp white tablecloths without the intimidation factor, floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with light. The menu changes with the seasons but always champions British produce done well. Think salt marsh lamb with rosemary jus or line-caught sea bass with samphire – dishes that sound simple but arrive perfectly executed. The wine list leans French and Italian with some decent English bottles thrown in. Yes, you're paying hotel prices, but the kitchen delivers hotel ambition too. It's the kind of place that works equally well for impressing clients or treating your parents.