The impressive stone building of the 300-year-old Arundell Arms hotel sits in the delightful village of Lifton – and how lucky the residents are to have such a first-class venue on their doorstep.

From hearty traditional pub food to quality fine dining, the Arundell truly caters for everyone’s tastes and budget. A unique dining experience awaits you in the elegant dining room or the welcoming bar, with dishes utilising local quality ingredients to great effect. The set and à la carte menus are executed with skill and aplomb by Master Chef of Great Britain Steven Pidgeon (chef profile page 62), who is ably supported by a team of ambitious and technically proficient young chefs. The restaurant and hotel have received numerous awards in recent years – including the Good Hotel Guide ‘Sporting Hotel of the Year’ award – and you cannot fail to see why. The stylish and contemporary British menu includes dishes such as filet mignon with sumptuous parsnip purée, resting on a bed of glazed vegetables and peppercorn sauce – an elegantly presented, perfectly cooked dish that allows the ability of the chef to shine through.

Simplicity is the key here, with sophisticated but unpretentious cooking the order of the day. Our starters of Falmouth Bay scallops with a curried crust accompanied by baby spinach and a celeriac velouté, and fillet of Aylesbury duck, were simply stunning; as were our mains of roasted best end of English lamb and pan-fried cutlet of turbot. Lastly, a warm chocolate brioche bread and butter pudding, accompanied by an ingenious roasted pineapple and creme fraiche ice cream, and an iced apple parfait with poached rhubarb and vanilla sauce, ticked all the boxes.

I have been a restaurant critic for many years and have had the opportunity to dine at some really firstclass establishments – the Arundell Arms, however, stormed straight into my top ten. If you’re looking for fine cuisine in a luxurious environment, lovingly prepared and served by a talented and attentive team, then the Arundell Arms is the place for you.