Cockliffe House

Set in the heart of Burnstump Country Park on the fringes of Sherwood Forest, this converted 17th-century hunting lodge houses a modern and intimate restaurant offering a unique experience. Midway between Nottingham, Mansfield and Southwell, Cockliffe House is the ideal place for a meal with family and friends, where you’ll enjoy a modern English and European menu.

After being welcomed into the small and inviting bar area, I sat down to a starter of steamed mussels with Cropwell Bishop Stilton and beer, served with toasted soda bread, while my partner sampled roasted Jerusalem artichoke with hazelnut and goat’s cheese salad. Both dishes were beautifully presented and served by charming staff, who were helpful but not overly intrusive. My main course was duo of lamb, champ, roasted carrots and rosemary jus. My partner couldn’t stop raving about her heritage beetroot and red wine risotto, enhanced by a beetroot crisp and horseradish. As a vegetarian, she said it was one of the best dishes she had tried in the area. The desserts were equally eye-catching; I opted for the baked blackberry cheesecake with spiced apple compote. My partner ordered her favourite classic dessert of sticky toffee pudding, toffee sauce and caramel ice cream.

The restaurant has a modern and elegant feel, having recently been extensively refurbished with sumptuous colours and very comfortable seating. Cockliffe House has cemented its reputation for providing a relaxing and intimate ambience, which promises not to disappoint.