ROYALTY took a tour around an Upper Slaughter hotel and restaurant earlier this week.

Their imperial Highnesses Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko Akishino from Japan visited Lords of the Manor hotel on Monday for a luxury lunch.

Accompanied by Mr Keiichi Hayashi, the Japanese Ambassador to the UK, the royal party enjoyed their visit to the Michelin starred hotel and village of Upper Slaughter. The couple toured the hotel gardens and took photographs before enjoying a three-course lunch.

Lords of the Manor’s general manager Paul Thompson said: "A busy timetable kept our restaurant team on their toes with just one hour to serve lunch but the visit was highly successful. The Royal guests were highly appreciative of the Cotswolds and the English countryside around Lords of the Manor."

The hotel and restaurant, based in the village of Upper Slaughter near Bourton-on-the-Water, is a former rectory, set in eight acres of landscaped gardens and parkland.

The restaurant is renowned for its gourmet dining and sources many of its ingredients from local producers. In September 2013 staff were overjoyed to learn that the hotel had kept its coveted Michelin star for the seventh year in a row. It is only one of seven restaurants in the county to hold the prestigious award.