Plumber Manor’s restaurant, a firm favourite with Dorset residents and in-the-know visitors alike, has held its place in the Good Food Guide for more than 40 years now. Executive chef Brian keenly sources from local producers where possible (my beef was from a family butchers in Stowbridge) and excels in traditional British fare, along with a few Mediterranean influences. I tried scallops, fresh butternut squash soup, Partridge with bubble and squeak, and beef with green beans, potatoes and seasoned veg. All hit that sweet spot of full, rich (but not overpowering) British flavours.

The traditional dessert trolley is a highlight, wheeled out in flair and loaded with (during my visit) with a chestnut meringue roulade, Moroccan orange cake, almond frangipani and double chocolate mousse cake. A well thought-through wine list is eagerly opened for guests by Richard himself. 

Breakfast remains an elegant, yet more relaxed affair, where a full cooked English seems the order of the day, along with a breakfast bar donning yogurt, cereals and fresh fruit.