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hand picked restaurants

The Brudenell Hotel on the Suffolk coastline at the Southern end of Aldeburgh's promenade is a lovely place to stopover, relax and escape from the stress of daily life to the slow coastal pace of seaside life. Whether it's for a weekend break or a business meeting, this smart, 4 AA star rated hotel is an indulgent choice. Marvellous views of the sea, the River Alde and the surrounding marshlands greet guests from most bedrooms whilst their 2 AA Rosette awarded restaurant is a foodie delight.

The cuisine follows seasonal trends and fresh, flavoursome ingredients are sourced from local suppliers wherever possible. A signature meal here might include breast of Bunwell Farm wood pigeon, pancetta, confit garlic and puy lentils; pan roasted scallops, trio of celeriac, basil crisps and a lime vanilla syrup, and bitter chocolate tart, parsnip crisps and mascarpone ice cream. Simpler dishes include crab and avocado tian with mustard mayonnaise; poached Sutton Hoo chicken with tarragon mash and white onion sauce, and exotic fruit jelly with coconut parfait.

The wine list brings a thoughtful good value eclectic selection of interesting bottles from the New and Old Worlds.

Kesgrave Hall in Ipswich is a delightful addition to the renowned Milsoms Hotel and Hills Group and this lovely bistro style restaurant lives up to the reputation expertly. Charming and friendly staff members, relaxed atmosphere and a kitchen that produces British classics and imaginative dishes with equal ease, make this restaurant worth a visit whether you're with friends or family. The open plan kitchen or the 'engine room' as it is referred to, allows diners to enjoy the theatricals of the chefs as they get into the mood for a fantastic meal.

Start with dishes such as Suffolk smoked eel, beetroot bavrois, horseradish cream and watercress and move on to the roasted skate wing with ecrasse potatoes, baby gem lettuce and beurre noisette. Sandwiches, ciabattas, focaccias and toasted muffins for lunch can contain mouth watering fillings such as caramelised onion, Monterey Jack cheese and roasted red peppers. Finally, end with an iced apple parfait with tempura raspberries and vanilla salt tuile. The superb wine list offers a huge variety of choices.

The Froize Inn in Chillesford is a lovely dining destination for locals and visitors who are looking for a charming country experience. Hospitality and friendliness are evident while the atmosphere is intimate and close, perfect for a special evening. In fact, the garden is a popular seating option, shaded by a leaning tree and there are some marvellous views of the greenery from the main dining room, and if it's an informal meal you're after, the bar is ideal.

The cuisine brings together some of the best of rustic English and French food sourced from local suppliers, whether it is seafood or game. Amongst the starters, there could be chicken liver pate while later on there could be roast pork with Bramley Apple, baked Scottish salmon or a tasty lobster salad. Desserts could include profiteroles or crème brûlée and their bar is well stocked with beers, ales and wines.

Once you arrive at the Black Lion a warm welcome is assured and then you have to make the difficult decision about where to dine with a choice of the slightly more formal main restaurant, with the starched linen tablecloths and soft primrose coloured walls, or the more informal version with the log fire crackling - an ideal room for private parties of up to 20 (great for those office get togethers) - or, if you want to be even more relaxed, the bar with views across the green.

Wherever you dine the menu is the same and their food is so good that it has been awarded has been awarded an AA rosette. Annette, their head chef is happy to accommodate all dietary requirements and was delighted to be praised by the celiac society for offering interesting dishes. She specialises in using seasonal and local ingredients and has gained fame for her Black Lion Cream Teas which are available every day, these include a wonderful homemade compote of summer fruits.

The restaurant has antique furnishings with doors opening onto the Victorian walled garden, the ideal location for a relaxing Pimms in the summer. A great favourite with guests is to dine on the terrace and watch the world go by whilst gazing at the impressive turrets of Melford Hall, the glorious National Trust Tudor mansion.

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.