Fine Dining at Ellenborough Park

When you're looking for somewhere to go for dinner, no doubt you'll be asking friends who've been there, what it's like, who's written reviews about it, who the chef is, etc, etc.. At Ellenborough Park they've taken these "who"s to another level; a who's who of what's on your table - cutlery n'all! Stylishly presented in a handy infographic, this is different territory for a restaurant of this standard. It can sometimes be a bit daunting when you're face to face with a perfectly laid out table - with barely an inch to perch your elbow - so this is a refreshing stance.

The main man behind this idea - king of Ellenborough Park's kitchen - is proud Welshman David Kelman. You might recognize his name; he was one of the 24 chefs within the ninth series of the Great British Menu. Having achieved many respected and acclaimed awards over the years, David has just been named Chef of the Year at the Taste of Glos Awards 2014; he won the same accolade in 2013, so he's clearly doing something right. His restaurant, The Beaufort Dining Room at Ellenborough Park, proudly holds an accomplished 3 AA rosettes; this is awarded to outstanding restaurants where cooking is underpinned by the selection of the highest quality ingredients, consistently excellent timing, seasoning and judgement of flavour combinations and supported by a well-chosen wine list.

I'm yet to go for dinner, but The Beaufort Dining Room is one of Cheltenham's finest restaurants. It's situated away from the hustle and bustle of the centre, past Prestbury, at the foot of picturesque Cleeve Hill. With original oak panelling, Tudor fireplaces and stained glass Oriel windows, it provides the perfect setting for celebrations and special occasions. The A La Carte menu features classic British dishes with a modern twist, all using the best local produce - think Pan-fried Loin of Spring Lamb, Peas, Broad Beans, Leeks and Asparagus, Wild Garlic Potato Purée, Young Carrots & Honey Glazed Sweetbreads - drool. Two courses are available for £45, or three for £55, though a triumphant three course Sunday Lunch is £30 per person; great value!

I have visited Ellenborough Park once before, to sample their Afternoon Tea, and let me tell you, it was by far the best I've had in and around the area. Not only were all the elements executed to such a high standard - a serious choice of tea, quality sandwiches, fluffy scones (the blueberry and buttermilk was a winner), perfect patisseries - but even the plates/cups/teapots/cutlery were well considered. Apparently, the fine bone china was specially commissioned for the hotel; the designs echo the original features of the building, ensuring that the history is carried throughout the whole Ellenborough experience.

If you haven't planned your trip to the hotel yet (why haven't you?!), then perhaps following one of David's recipes might be of interest to you instead? Fellow Cotswold blog Rich in Flavour has shared David' luxurious take on boiled egg and soldiers, complete with asparagus, peas and air dried ham; I need to make this ASAP... Or how about fillet of cod with baby vegetables, saffron potatoes and tomato dressing? I'll salute my fave local foodie mag, Crumbs, for that one!

So how's this for size; thanks to David Kelman and Ellenborough Park, you can serve up these dishes at your excellently laid out table! Job done.