IF you are looking for fine modern English cuisine in idyllic surroundings then the newly refurbished Homewood Park country house and restaurant could be the place for you.

The restaurant has an impressive track record with two AA Rosettes and has been voted country restaurant of the year in the Good Food Guide.

Located near Limpley Stoke on the A36 the Georgian house boasts a seven-acre garden, which won the Bath in Bloom competition in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005 and 2006.

General manager Denis Verrier, 27, is originally from Normandy and has worked for Von Essen Hotels since arriving in the UK in 2000.

He said: "The dining room and ground floor have just been re-furbished and were finished a month ago.

"It really does the place justice. Customers are really enjoying the new look. The reaction we get is wow'.

"As you walk in there is always someone to greet you and make you feel relaxed.

"It's a peaceful and tranquil retreat with a log fire roaring in the winter and the gardens to enjoy in the summer. What we offer is a home from home."

The country house offers three dining rooms, all with views overlooking the award-winning south-facing gardens.

"Even if you just come for a cup of tea you are more than welcome to come and have a look around the gardens," said Mr Verrier.

Chef Daniel Moon, 25, who has been at Homewood Park for 18 months, favours modern English food with European influences. He previously worked at Hunstrete House, near Bath.

There are a wide variety of dishes to choose from including south coast scallops, smoked trout, roast loin venison, char-grilled beef, local cheeses and chocolate mousse.

A three-course dinner is £44 and a three-course lunch is £18, or you can have a two-course lunch for £14.50. The restaurant also serves cream teas, coffee and petits fours and light lunches.

FACT FILE:
  • Lunch runs from 12 noon-2pm and dinner is served from 7-9.30pm
  • Cream teas with a selection of scones, cakes and biscuits cost £8.50 or £13.95 with finger sandwiches included.
  • The restaurant serves cheeses from local farms.
  • The foundations of the original building date from the 13th century. It is believed the house belonged to the Abbot of the nearby Carthusian Priory
  • Call (01225) 723731 or visit www.homewoodpark.co.uk