The Royal Duchy Hotel Review, Falmouth, Cornwall

Even if you don’t usually eat a cooked breakfast, make an exception here to sample the unforgettably good local back bacon and perfectly scrambled eggs. And if you rise late, bacon sandwiches, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, toast and jam or continental pastries are served (on the terrace in good weather) until 11am.

There are snacks throughout the day, ranging from a bowl of marinated olives to a range of sandwiches – the granary bread sandwich of avocado and locally-caught crab is highly recommendable, while anyone seeking a heartier lunch will find dishes like cod and chips, roast vegetables with goat cheese, a chargrilled steak or burger, and prawn and crab linguine.

The dinner menu is refined and creative without ever losing sight of the main ingredient, whether it is a starter of ravioli stuffed with crab and scallops or a generous main of pan-fried brill with celeriac and Avruga caviar or a roast lamb loin with braised shoulder, confit belly and sundried tomatoes. Desserts are delightful – and unusual enough to be interesting – try lemon mousse with lemon balm, meringue and passion fruit, or a buttermilk pannacotta with basil and honeycomb.

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