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Prezzo has been delighting diners for over eight years, and this Italian restaurant chain has since been able to expand throughout large parts of England and Scotland with some 141 outlets.

Interestingly, the company seeks to restore either impressive buildings or ones of local interest. The conversion of the Newbury library and other listed buildings, such as those in Salisbury, Romsey and Mayfair, are all welcome examples of 'new use'. Their trendy and sophisticated décor usually consists of tiled or wooden floors with delicate lights and colourful paintings, along with wooden furniture and sparkling cutlery, creating a setting that is suitable for a relaxed lunch, a family meal or an evening out with friends.

The restaurants are of particular appeal to those who like genuine Italian cuisine, and they use only the best seasonal products, many of which are imported directly from Italy. The menu includes pizza, pasta, risotto, grilled meats, fresh salads and frequently changing specials.

The freshly baked breads, like the garlic bread with mozzarella cheese, are perfect for sharing and give you adequate breathing space to order starters to follow. Crab cakes served with garlic mayonnaise or grilled goat's cheese with plum tomatoes and caramelised onions on foccacia bread with a balsamic glaze set the tone for a hearty meal. Best fun is to order an antipasto platter to share made up from seven well loved Italian nibbles.

Find pastas such as the unusual penne con salmone, with oak-roasted salmon, broccoli and fresh chillies in a red pesto and cream sauce, or firm favourites like spaghetti with meatballs, spaghetti Bolognese, and fusilli al pesto, asparagus spears with field mushrooms and roasted peppers in a basil pesto sauce.

Amongst the special pastas, the pollo mariano, seasoned chicken, pepperoni sausage, roasted peppers and fusilli in tomato sauce, is interesting and different. Italian menus would be incomplete without risotto, like tiger prawns with petits pois in a creamy saffron sauce.

Classic pizzas embrace, among a wide selection, the popular napoletana, topped with yellowfin tuna, tomato, white anchovies, capers, red onion, mozzarella and marinated olives, and the much loved quattro stagioni - pepperoni sausage, prosciutto ham, artichoke, field mushrooms, capers, marinated olives, mozzarella and tomato.

Specials could include the pollo Siciliana, char-grilled chicken breast, prosciutto ham and plum tomato slices, baked with their blend of cheese, only one example from the many tempting offerings that come out from the Prezzo kitchens.

You can accompany the food with a variety of tipples, though for many, Italian food requires Italian wines to be enjoyed to the full, ranging from house wine through Morellino di Scansano and Prosecco to liqueurs and beer, and there is espresso or fresh ground coffee to wind up an enjoyable meal, in company with a glass of grappa or sambuca.

This is Italian food at its attractive best, convincing and bringing together the traditional with the modern twist or two against a background of excellent value.

Prezzo is a lively group and opportunities to improve and update are never left on the table for long. Keep up to date with a quick click on their Website.

For many, a visit to the White Hart at Poole Street, with or without eating, would be to experience a typical old English pub, unspoiled and richly redolent of the past. Its rural setting makes it quite the perfect venue for weddings while their private dining rooms for parties and conferences are sure to give a unique take to the usual corporate get together.

Their excellent restaurant has been the recipient of an AA rosette for the past three years and from their à la carte, you could expect to start with seared loin of Yeldham rabbit on braised red cabbage with poached pear and partridge jus. Follow with a Colne Valley rack of lamb with baby navet accompanied by saffron infused new potatoes and red currant jus, and round off with the vanilla pannacotta with strawberry and mint salsa.

The wine selection at the White Hart is varied and priced reasonably, with some particularly interesting clarets.

The Pheasant at Gestingthorpe is set in the middle of rural countryside, with open fields on both sides. It is situated just off the main B1058 to Castle Hedingham and Sudbury. Owners Diana and James Donoghue have converted this charming country pub into a gastronomic haven, serving locally sourced food in a welcoming setting that features wood burning stoves in all three rooms in winter. During summer, guests can enjoy the breathtaking view from the garden.

The menu highlights seasonal choice such as delicious game pie, made with pheasant, rabbit, venison and pigeon, slow roasted belly of pork with caramelised apples, and Spaynes Hall Farm sausages. With Borley Smokery next door, home-smoked food is the norm with dishes such as smoked salmon pate and smoked halibut being popular appetisers.

A well chosen wine list covering the globe and local ales are available to accompany the food.