It's not every day that you happen upon a quiet English village of which a significant part is a handsome looking inn where an elegant, exotic dining experience based on the best of Moroccan and Middle Eastern flavours is served with considerable charm and unique style.

Nor does it end at the menu, as you morph from the English countryside into a passable representation of, shall we say, Marrakesh, since this is the place for which the English from Churchill downwards always hanker to head towards.

Located conveniently between the M4 and M40 motorways, and close to London, Ayoush is ideal for an escape into another world where painted hieroglyphics, Moroccan dark wood, tiles and fabrics set the mood perfectly and the bubble of a hookah pipe completes the transition. Three areas define the restaurant, mezza bar and terrace and a wide selection of set menus and party menus for lunch and dinner make for easy choices, particularly when faced with the mouth-watering range of North African dishes, each one a temptation in its own right.

The mezza selection works in tapas mode with Moroccan and Lebanese starters all served on many plates for easy sharing followed by an Ayoush special with minced lamb and herbs samboussek, hummus, tabouleh and daoud pasha, meat balls mixed with chopped onion, parsley, garlic, coriander and cooked in tomato sauce. North African seafood dishes hail from Morocco's Atlantic coast, providing some of the best maritime ingredients in the world such as the grilled sea bass mixed with fresh fennel, olive oil and lemon juice.

This menu has Lebanese connections, such as fatoush, crispy salad and toasted pieces of bread, lettuce, radish, mint, tomatoes, spring onion in sommak herb, olive oil and lemon dressing. The couscous is traditional and invariably accompanies the five choices of that great Moroccan dish, tagine, of which the undoubted favourite is the sizzling chicken or lamb variety. A special treat is the Couscous Royal, couscous topped with tender lamb, chicken and mergueze steamed vegetables, raisins and chickpeas to make a dish that invokes the spirit of North Africa on a plate.

Strong Lebanese reds from Bekaa Valley vineyards take pride of place on the wine list, as well as rioja and pinot grigio, and French wines. The cocktails marry well with the zesty atmosphere that prevails and beers, all from an international background, including Moroccan Casablanca do well for those with long thirsts.

All this against a background of music, belly-dancers and North African exotica makes Ayoush and ideal place for a good party where time, place and inhibitions become pleasantly blurred and life takes on new meaning. Private hire celebrations, large groups and belly dancing give a special sparkle to weekend evenings at Ayoush.

For details of events and other information a quick click on their Website will do the business.