Ayoush - Bourne End

It's not every day that you come round a bend of the River Wye in Buckinghamshire to find yourself confronted by a typical English village of which a significant part is a handsome looking inn where, so far as food is concerned a highly attractive and exotic North African menu is offered, deriving largely from Egypt and Morocco.

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 the English from Churchill downwards always want to go to.

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 lamb samboussek, chicken wings, mussakka, falafel, tabouleh, vine leaves and batata to name but a few. North African seafood dishes hail from Morocco's Atlantic coast, providing some of the best maritime ingredients in the world such as the grilled seabass stuffed with onion, garlic, green coriander and mixed peppers topped with tomato sauce.

A Kofta Kheshkhash grill has strong Lebanese connections, with grilled minced lamb on skewers mixed with Egyptian herbs, served with fresh salad and Arabian bread. 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 Bekka Valley vineyards take pride of place on the wine list, as well as rioja and pinot grigio, and South American 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.

Critics may comment, reviews may reveal, but there's nothing like reactions from the customers:

'The service was exceptional, the place is stunning, with so many cushions, snug areas, things to look at, impressive formal dining area in the main restaurant and the gorgeous lounge with its murals. We wanted for nothing all night!!'

'This is North African food at its best!'

For details of events, including special family Sundays with face painting for kids, offers and other information, a quick click on their Website will do the business.