Cringletie House Hotel in the Scottish Borders has picked up a third AA rosette for its restaurant. The award for the Sutherland Restaurant comes less than a year after the French-born chef, Patrick Bardoulet, pictured, took the culinary helm at the hotel near Peebles. Patrick’s cooking style is classic French, with lobster thermidore being one of his favourites.

Cooking in Scotland since 1999, Patrick adds: “Working here means I have access to some of the best fresh ingredients in the world, even before the top chefs in Paris, which makes it easier to serve delicious, fresh food throughout the year. What’s more, we still have a traditional kitchen garden where we grow most of our own herbs and vegetables on the grounds.”

Cringletie House Hotel , Edinburgh Road, Peebles, EH45 8PL.