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hand picked restaurants

Pizza Express remains a hugely popular bedrock of casual eating. Its popularity is testimony to the fact that across the country, they have restaurants where you will always be guaranteed a good nosh, with children's tastes being well catered for.

Pizza Express has gone even more Roman, and following the success of that particular example of listening to their public have introduced Romana pizzas, including the scorching Etna and the hearty Siciliana.

These pizzas are now thinner, bigger and crispier, and if that sounds like a marketing line, it is. However, unlike many such lines, this one is true, and their quality is always consistent, though cleverly they have still managed to retain a homemade feel to their pizzas.

As an alternative to pizza, try their pollo pesto - cavatappi pasta with torn chicken breast, mushrooms, red onions and mozzarella in a creamy gruyere, parmesan and pesto sauce and finished with grana padano - or the niçoise salad with mixed leaves, yellowfin tuna, free range egg, green beans, potatoes and tomatoes with olives, anchovies, capers and house dressing.

Many of the big chains have come a long way, and Pizza Express is certainly amongst them. One of the first to be quoted on the Stock Exchange - in 1993 - Pizza Express is not a franchise operation and retains tight control through its own staff.

Their wine list - though short - contains some surprisingly good offerings, especially their intense Australian Chardonnay, and a big, full-bodied Merlot from Cusumano, Sicilia.

Originally built as a mill way back in 1750, it first became a restaurant and then moved on to become the hotel that it is today. The Wensum Lodge Hotel provides a breathtaking view of the River Wensum flowing under an ancient bridge and past the front terrace, while a stream gurgles through the rear garden.

Those who love outdoor pursuits are in for a treat, as guests can avail themselves of complimentary fishing, and, if you are lucky, the chef will happily cook your catch for you! The warmly lit restaurant serves British cuisine and customers can dine amidst traditional surroundings.

There is a certain commonality between New England and North Norfolk. This is well illustrated in Old Hunstanton where The Neptune offers English coastal tradition in large measure, with white clapboard walls, scale model boats, Lloyd Loom sofas and chairs, pictures of things coastal, all backed up with a roaring fire, fresh flowers, wooden polished floors and modern British food.

Ha! I hear you say, I wondered when you were getting round to that. Well, we are not but Chef Kevin Mangeolles most certainly is, and he is often not looking far for his sources, in fact his carbon footprints are commendably minute and the restaurant has also been awarded 3 AA rosettes.

The menu could open with beetroot risotto and salmon, walnuts and black pepper cream or grilled mackerel, crab salad and compressed watermelon, before going on to Gressingham duck breast with praline, butternut squash puree and dauphine potatoes, or plaice, Thornham mussels, squid, fresh peas and chicken jus.

Venezuelan chocolate mousse is served with liquorice blueberries, but for sheer perfection go for the lemon vanilla custard with lemon grass ice cream and vanilla lemonade.

Without doubt this is total relaxation in a part of England that exudes a very special sort of appeal.

When about to write this piece I thought it might be appropriate to commence something like, "should anybody out there be about to start writing a book on eccentric pubs, they might do a lot worse than to list The Angel at Larling". Quick reference to our googling friends reveals, of course, that several trillion people have already had the same idea, but this does not remove the validity of my judgement.

It's a real peach, in the middle of a singularly bleak bit of Norfolk countryside, with a fiercely parochial customer base that is supplemented at the weekends by a far more widely spread congregation who regard The Angel as their personal Shangri-la.

Not unnaturally the ales on offer are of a specialist nature - well maybe you had heard of Crouch Vale Amarillo from Essex - and class distinction is alive and well and works to the advantage of all except the seriously prickly who have mainly gone elsewhere. So scooter-owners in the public bar meet the odd cravat from the saloon and exchange amiable banter in the loos/toilets.

There are some fifty or so dishes from which to choose at prices that would bring crocodile tears to the eyes of the average company accountant, but one of the advantages of being sturdily independent is that the owner can project dust and derision in his/her direction. And no, that is not code for 'croc steaks on the menu'.

For a fun time call in at The Angel - you might just form a weekend habit in the process.

Visitors to King's Lynn in North Norfolk will quickly realise that the Duke's Head Hotel is an unmistakable landmark in this lively port town and with its daunting Georgian structure and rich history, it has proved to be a huge source of pride amongst the locals. The sumptuously decorated and comfortable bedrooms are ideal when you want to have a serene retreat from the busy world, but if you care to bring in a bit of your life as an executive, you're most welcome because this hotel is an excellent choice for conferences and meetings too.

Their restaurant is the perfect place to recharge and get a move ahead in the day with their delicious meals that bear a definite orientation towards classical cuisine. The Duke's Head restaurant offers a choice of à la carte and table d'hôte menus which are excellent as a result of the care taken in creating them.

Located in a quiet courtyard setting, in the heart of Fakenham, D'Inacios offers a modest and tranquil ambiance to enjoy a relaxed and meditative dining out experience. The interior, done up in whites with contrasting dark furniture, creates an airy and spacious feel.

A seasonal à la carte is to hand for lunch and dinner and encompass well the modern interpretations of classic British and European dishes infused with world flavours. Begin with a platter of prosciutto, chorizo, pickled onions and olives, served with a salad, or a goats' cheese and a red onion bruschetta. Follow with baked cod loin or pan seared supreme of local chicken for a hearty meal. Amongst light lunches seared sirloin minute steak and the beer battered fillet of haddock are two good options.

D'Inacios serves exclusive coffees all day, in a south-facing courtyard under, perhaps, the most ancient wisteria to be found in East Anglia.

Bedfords Bar and Restaurant in Norwich is housed in one of the oldest buildings of the town, but apart from that, everything else is contemporary. In fact, it's the best place to visit with friends where you can lounge around on their leather sofas and enjoy the soothing atmosphere. The decor is noteworthy with its tall ceilings and dark wood beams and the restaurant is split in two levels with a stylish bar downstairs and chic dining area upstairs.

There's also a cellar bar known as The Crypt which is unique in its appeal because it is stone vaulted, and this venue is often popular with people looking for intimate spaces to celebrate. The food at Bedfords Restaurant is modern European with a bit of bistro feel to it with some unusual additions. This is an ideal spot if you want to lend an unusual touch to your functions and parties and the staff are most accommodating.

The Wig and Pen is a charming country pub in Norwich, located towards the north of the cathedral and is just the place for some delicious British cuisine in an atmosphere that is relaxed, casual and welcoming. This friendly pub is housed in a 17th century building and there's a delightful terrace that's just perfect for al fresco dining.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite or just maybe some nibbles as you sip your drink, you can be sure that The Wig will provide you with fresh and tasty fare. Using the best local produce and meats, lunchtimes become a foray into new and interesting dishes which keep you coming back for more.

The evening menu offers a combination of modern and traditional dishes while the mouth watering Sunday roasts have led to the creation of a most popular dining destination. The wine list is priced sensibly and offers a good selection and the six real ales are also excellent.