Make a night of it with Square Meal's guide to the best places to get away from it all

Pounds Pounds Pounds THE CAFE AT BROVEY LAIR

Carbrooke Road, Ovington, Thetford (01953 882706), open: bookings only As you sweep into the understated kitchen-cum-dining room of Brovey Lair, you might think you've been transported to the Caribbean. The view over the terrace and swimming pool to the lush two-acre garden has a plantation prettiness, while Tina Pemberton's imaginative Asian-fusion food focuses on fish and seafood cooked in front of you on a teppan grill. Should you be staying in one of the two luxurious garden suites, you can look forward to an extraordinary breakfast.

Pounds Pounds THE CRICKETERS

Whyken Road, Clavering, Nr Saffron Walden

(01799 550442), open Mon-Sat 7-10pm; Sun noon-2pm

This 16th-century free house has long been a favourite with out-of-town diners and now has eight en suite bedrooms. Trevor and Sally Oliver (proud parents of Jamie) offer an adventurous menu that changes frequently: one month it might be reinterpreted British favourites, with variations on roast duck, pheasant or venison classics, the next it could be predominantly Italian. Whatever the order of the day, you're guaranteed to go home full.

Pounds Pounds GRAVETYE MANOR

Vowels Lane, East Grinstead (01342 810567), open Mon-Sun 12.30-1.45pm, 7 9.30pm The Elizabethan Gravetye Manor, which dates back to 1598, feels a world away from the rat race, surrounded by fields, forests and...