Writing these reviews is something of a dichotomy for me.

You see, when asked what my job is I generally respond: "I tell lies for a living". I work in advertising. And telling people that something is super, wonderful, a "must have" (when I know full well it isn't) well, it pays the mortgage.

But the whole point of what I'm writing and you're reading now is to give a full and honest appraisal of a dining out experience, from the food to the ambience to - and Himself often insists - the parking.

As they say, one man's meat is another man's poison, so here goes.

Appropriately we first found Hipping Hall, situated between Ingleton and Kirkby Lonsdale, through a small advert on this very page.

Finding it for real required eagle eyes and a sharp right turn after spotting the road-side sign. But the ample parking (told you so!), beautiful grounds and incredibly warm welcome were just a taster of the memorable meal to come.

We'd booked for Sunday lunch at £21 for two courses and £25 for three.

But be warned - if fine dining isn't your style then stick with your freezer-to-microwave pub meals and stop reading now. Because very fine dining it is, with a menu created by former Young Chef of the Year Jason "Bruno" Birkbeck and served in a formal yet relaxed medieval banqueting hall after "posh" sausage rolls and drinks in the main 17th century manor house.

We started with a pressing of Lincolnshire rabbit, foie gras and cabbage served with fig jam for Himself, and my warm truffle of goat's cheese and confit potato terrine with beetroot relish wasn't just a picture on a plate, but a delicious masterpiece served on a slab of slate.

To follow, Himself's roast striploin of Kitridding beef served with the usual suspects was cooked and presented to perfection, as was my pan fried fillet of black bream served with pomme puree, spinach, cep and a lentil and bacon casserole.

We found the portions just right, but to satisfy the heartier appetite a basket of various home-made breads was on the table before and throughout the meal.

As we'd each sampled a bread roll (or two!) we shared a dessert of prune bonbon served with caramelised pear, an almond cannelloni and mascarpone cream. Sounds arty-farty. Tasted fabulous.

Hipping Hall is not for the pie and mash brigade. It's not for those not prepared to pay at least £20 for a bottle of wine. It's probably not, for the majority of us, going to become a regular haunt - the weekday evening menu is a touch more expensive.

But if you've an occasion to celebrate or just fancy treating yourself to incredible food, exceptional service and the chance to wander around three acres of landscaped grounds, or even stay over in this "restaurant with rooms", then from this reviewer at least Hipping Hall comes highly recommended.

As their brochure states: "Everyone should dine at Hipping Hall at least once in their lifetime."

My response? Why only once?

Eilis Bottomley