Uppingham is known for many things – its world-class school, 14th-Century church and medieval motte-and-bailey-castle remains are all highlights. Overlooking its elegant and historic market square sits one more claim to fame – Don Paddy’s.

Coffee house, café-bar, conference facilities and a top-notch eatery all rolled into one, Don Paddy’s offers a smart and modern take on the country gastropub. Its decor is as varied as its menu, with polished wood floors and impressive sports memorabilia jostling for attention alongside glamorous shots of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe.

I couldn’t resist trying a mouthful of my partner’s Camembert starter, which was strong, tasty and presented with a rustic twist. He then devoured the beautifully rich salmon and asparagus tagliatelle main with succulent king prawns, while I sampled the chicken stuffed with Parma ham and Stilton mousse. This wonderful dish was perfectly balanced in flavour, and the accompanying Dauphinoise potatoes were beautifully creamy and undeniably moreish.

For dessert we tried the Chambord liqueur and raspberry cheesecake, which was melt-in-the-mouth gorgeous, and a delectable berry sorbet that managed to be light, sweet, scrumptious and fruity all at once. With fare like this on offer, it seems Don Paddy’s is set to make a little history of its own