We took advantage of a special offer to spend a night at the Peacock, a former dower house on the Haddon estate, in order to visit medieval Haddon Hall, home of the Dukes of Rutland. On arrival we were briefly disappointed that the lounge was slightly shabby and lacked any real charm, and that the bar was similarly dingy and underlit. However, the service was both professional and friendly and our room was comfortable and well equipped. The nuts and the appetiser delivered to our bar table before dinner upped the game a little, and soon after we went into the rather dull dining room, we were completely won over. The food (chef Dan Smith) was spectacular! Moderately expensive, but excellent value as part of an inclusive break offer.