Lucknam Park Hotel, Colerne

(01249) 742777

We knew Lucknam Park would be luxurious, but even so we were bowled over by the spacious parkland and avenue of trees as we made our way up to the house.

My husband and I had been given a £50 voucher for our silver wedding anniversary, but decided to hold onto it until it was my birthday.

Then, somehow, our three daughters decided to join us so we found the five of us sweeping up the gravel driveway to the front of the house.

It turned out that wasn’t quite where we were meant to go but a porter kindly lent us an umbrella – it was pouring with rain – and showed us to the car park.

After a short walk we arrived at the brasserie, a delightful modern building made principally of glass which provides a striking complement to the Cotswold stone of the old country house. The restaurant occupies one part of the building with a pool, spa and treatment rooms at the other. It was full, with a surprising number of young families.

We restricted ourselves to the set meals, three of the £17 two courses and two of the £21 three-course meals.

The bright green pea soup, served with with lightly truffled pea fritters and peashoots, was a favourite starter with one daughter.

My red mullet, served with tartare sauce and chorizo salad, was one of the best tasting fish yet. It looked lovely too, the burnt red of the mullet contrasting nicely with the sauces and white plate. My husband’s fishcakes were spheres, rather than the circular cakes of my schooldays, and he described them as wonderful.

For mains I had gnocchi with green beans, carrots, herbs and beetroot. At first it seemed a little sparse, but was actually filling and very tasty. The meat in the ale pie was succulent and the gravy rich, while the daughter who chose trout was delighted with her choice.

For pudding we voted Wiltshire honey parfait with raspberries and honeycomb ice cream top.

The bill, which included a whopping £13.50 for three bottles of water, came to £131.50. After a wander around the immaculate grounds, we wended our way happily home.

Five star luxury country house hotel set in 500 acres

Offers Michelin star dining in The Park restaurant and AA one rosette in the more relaxed Brasserie

Afternoon tea £23.50 per person, Wiltshire cream tea £14, Sunday roast £25 per person

Our Eating Out is an independent review carried out by the Gazette without prior knowledge of the owners.