At Garvock House Hotel, good food in stunning surroundings is the order of the day. 

I took my neighbour ‘The Dowager’ along for dinner recently. 

The hotel is hidden away in Dunfermline, turn the corner into St John’s Drive though, and you are transported to a world of lush, manicured gardens that befit this country house retreat and restaurant. Our window seat made us want to return for Afternoon Tea even before we had tasted dinner. Get in quick before winter!

Her nibs chose Walnut-Crumbed Goat's Cheese for her starter and she liked the classic marrying of flavours that comes with the creamy, tangy cheese and crisp toasty nuts. I had the Assiette of Fish; paves of smoked salmon and trout, salad and pate were rich and sumptuous while ingenious homemade prawn crackers added crunch; excellent idea. Glasses of Pinot Grigio complemented our dishes well, and we were pleased to note that non-alcoholic wine is also available.

For main course, I had Lamb cooked rare and sliced in Provencal-style noisettes. A briny olive tapenade to the side and fruity sweet confit tomatoes tasted of Le Midi sunshine and complemented the juicy meat. Across the table, Madam had the Monkfish wrapped in Prosciutto ham in a cream sauce. 

Desserts were a triumphant finale of Scottish berries. For me a trio of raspberry themed mousse, cheesecake and patisserie-style fruit tart. The Dowager was presented with an epic and spectacular scarlet and white Strawberry Pavlova. Top tip: puddings could easily be shared although they were so good we quickly devoured ours.

Garvock House Hotel impressed and over delivered on my expectations. It's relaxed and friendly, and our food was faultless.

I would happily return soon and note that Afternoon Tea I fancy sounds a steal at just £15.50 per person. Dinner is £24 for three courses.