With magnificent country surroundings and fresh, inspired food from the Duchess of Roxburghe’s own chef, Floors Castle’s Terrace Café is a fabulous find for lunch, elevenses and afternoon tea. The Terrace Café is a bright, airy space with French windows overlooking the castle gardens and outdoor tables for summer, with their pretty Cath Kidston tablecloths. Floors’ chef Chris Percy-Davis offers smart, stylish cooking that uses the best local produce, including fruit, veg and herbs straight from the castle gardens.

To start, I had rich smoked trout paté with a tangy lemon vinaigrette and rocket salad, while my veggie companion went for a beautifully balanced Gruyère, leek and wild mushroom flan. Tempting alternatives include tomato and mascarpone soup with pesto, and all starters come with fresh-baked bread in flowerpots – a fun touch that’s typical of the chef’s attention to detail.

Main courses include spiced pork and basil meatballs, feather-light, crispy sole goujons with new potatoes and summer leaves, and a roasted beetroot, feta and French bean salad bursting with taste, varying textures and vivid colours. Wicked desserts and cakes at Floors include white chocolate cheesecake and an irresistible ginger grundy. Everything is reasonably priced, with welcoming service and a children’s menu to boot. The castle’s own deli sells superb produce to tempt you further; then after all that deliciousness, the glorious house and gardens are ready and waiting to be explored for afters.