Set amidst the deep rural beauty of Rutland, this much fêted village pub continues to offer some of the best food and drink for miles around, with an excellent wine list, an array of draught and bottled beers and a timelessness that refreshes; now with the addition of six beautiful en-suite rooms located in the converted house across the road. Taken over by the present owners in 1999, there is now a regular flow of locals and longer distance customers who find the genuine article in this friendly place.

Created out of three cottages in 1890, The Olive Branch was at the heart of the community until its closure in 1997 and then re-opened in 1999 following a renovation, just in time for Christmas, and guests have often feel that here is a place that has it right. To prove the point there is a list of awards that would make the BAFTAs look like a car boot sale, nicely topped off with a Michelin Star in 2002, which it has held onto ever since; and to cap them all, Michelin made them their Pub of the Year 2008. With the credits well and truly rolled let's take a look at the day to day reality.

Apart from a dinner menu there are four others, the lunch, blackboard, evening set and Saturday afternoon for even less. All have their own time and setting. From the dinner menu expect to find starters, or small dishes some of which can be taken as large, that include Jerusalem artichoke risotto with artichoke crisps, and conchiglie pasta with wild mushrooms and truffle oil.

In a pub as close to Lincolnshire as this it would be strange not to find some of the famous sausages, and sure enough here are the Grasmere Farm variety served with mustard mash and onion gravy. Free range pork from Scalford Meadow, geese from Lings View Farm, and some of the best English asparagus from Abbey Park Farms all make regular and welcome dishes in season.

Puddings tend to be a riot of wickedness, with sticky toffee pudding, and quince and mascarpone tart with quince ripple ice cream. Cheese buffs will need restraining, with Cropwell Bishop Stilton, Sparkenhoe Red Leicester and Gevrik goats? cheese to name but three. That's before they even get to see the wine list and all its appendages, a veritable treasure vat of indulgence, helpfully offering guidance.

The traditional blackboard menu is called upon at lunchtime, with a two course lunch at £16.95, say, pan-fried red mullet with bouillabaisse, followed by game casserole with tarragon dumplings and mashed carrot, or blackcurrant treacle tart. You might do worse than line up a bottle of Trappistes Rochefort No 6 from the Abbeye de St Remy in Belgium to go with it - at 7.5%, the Monks are to be congratulated.

Truly this is a pub to remember. Find out more, if you are not already on your way, by referring to their attractive and welcoming Website, which contains menus and a full wine and ale list.

The Angel at Hetton, near to Skipton, sets a remarkably hearty pace as an example for British pubs, which are aiming to fashion a unique experience, to follow. The Angel Inn was the creation of Denis Watkins, who sadly died in July 2004, he was a delightful man, an extremely able chef and always full of bubbling enthusiasm. The Angel has gained almost too many awards to be able to mention, but one highlight was when Denis was given the Catey from Caterer and Hotelkeeper, a tribute from his chosen profession, in 1998.

However, it has been a stalwart fixture of the Good Food Guide for many years, and in 1991 they won the Good Pub Guide's 'All Round Dining Pub of the Year', as well as the AA's 'Best Newcomer' in 1992. In the past years, it has become, above all, a place to enjoy the finest of food, good real ales and a wine list hand picked of extraordinary length and surprising value. All oak beams, separate rooms, nook and crannies, it is a hotch potch of contrasting styles and features, which come together to create an authentic atmosphere reminiscent of a more relaxed and bygone age. In the summer you can dine al fresco on the flagged forecourt overlooking Cracoe Fell.

The restaurant offers an early bird and an á la carte menu Monday to Thursday. On Friday they serve an early bird and a fish á la carte menu. A fixed price menu is served for Saturday dinner at £38.50 for four courses and coffee and Sunday lunch at £26.25 for three courses and coffee. Opening times given are for the restaurant. There is a wide choice of dishes and a specialisation in fresh fish. More informal food, with no necessity to book can be found in the Bar Brasserie, which is open for lunch and dinner every day.

The Angel is most famous for its food. Not the usual 'bought in' reheated fare, so often termed 'Pub Grub', but everything is absolutely fresh, of the finest quality, prepared by a dedicated and highly skilled kitchen team under the direction of their Head Chef.

The style of the food is Modern British, reflecting British origins but influenced by the cultures and cuisine of many countries, not least France and Italy. Wherever possible, raw products are sourced locally, meat and game from the Dales and Lancashire, sausages and cheese from Lancashire. Fish is delivered daily from the East and West coasts and herbs are from their own garden. All recipes are authentic and whilst the colour of a dish is important, it is the flavour that should live in the memory.

A typical dinner could begin with a choice of Glasshouses smoked trout fillet with beetroot jelly and horseradish cream; mini courgette and broccoli crumble; a little 'moneybag' of seafood baked in crispy pastry, served with lobster sauce, or carpaccio of Yorkshire beef.

Following on with a duo of Bolton Abbey mutton with liver, onion and bacon pie, roasted loin, courgette puree, sun-dried tomato, basil potato and rosemary sauce; and char-grilled fillet of Waterford House beef with foie gras, spinach and wild mushroom fricassée, baby vegetables, chateau potatoes and périgueux sauce. But leave room for their wonderful desserts, like sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce; a selection of sorbets and fresh berries, and croissant and butter pudding with apricot compote.

There are five luxury suites and a Wine Cave over the road in the Angel Barn Lodgings. The Wine Cave is an atmospheric homage to a wine producer's cellar, with exposed stone walls, wood beams, stone flagged floor and nooks and crannies. It also makes for an intimate wedding venue and hosts 'The Angel Auberge', a private dining experience with a rustic farmhouse style of service. One long table seats up to 24 guests and hearty plates of charcuterie could be followed by big bowls of cassoulet, beef bourguignon, fondue Savoyard or chicken chasseur.

All studios and suites have been individually furnished to a high standard and decorated to compliment the natural beauty, stone and beams of the ancient building. For residents' convenience all rooms are equipped with mini bars, electric hair dryers, safes and tea and coffee making facilities.

For details of specials on their menu and other information visit their Website.

Located in the bustling market town of Witney, renowned for beer, bread and blankets, The Blue Boar lives up to the town's reputation and is a sought-after venue for some hearty Mediterranean food and local real ales. You could also unwind at the bar or the cafe overlooking the courtyard, and Blue Boar's cosy bedrooms are well-equipped with modern amenities and the famous blankets! The restaurant's interior is done up in warm colours with an open plan kitchen that allows diners to watch the chefs in action.

Kick start the day with a champagne or traditional breakfast alongside a steaming hot cup of cappuccino or hot chocolate. The main menu offers sharer plates such as antipasto misto, Greek mezze, bruschette platter and fish platter, and an exciting range of starters, light dishes, ciabatta sandwiches and pasta. Succulent 21-day aged beef steaks feature on the Josper grill menu alongside slow cooked shoulder of lamb, duck breast and pork rib-eye. Desserts include a warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream, and lemon crème brûlée with lavender shortbread.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

Simply put, Hawksmoor is a carnivore's paradise. There are few restaurants where such meticulous care is taken with the quality and preparation of their meat.  Hawksmoor's supplier, The Ginger Pig, is widely known for the superb quality of their traditionally reared beef (and other meat) and it's all put to best possible use here - simply cooked on a real charcoal grill.

Starters of Tamworth ribs, those friendly happy porkers who make the supreme sacrifice that we might enjoy - at least the poor blighters do not have to endure the trials and tribulations of old age - or perhaps fresh Cornish oysters or dressed Dorset crab will set your taste buds for the feast that is to come.

They boast there is no cut of meat they cannot produce for their customers, even if some need a little notice, but off the shelf there is bone-in sirloin, rib-eye and fillet. They also have bigger steaks to share including bone-in prime rib, porterhouse and Chateaubriand. Side dishes include chips (with béarnaise sauce, a must), macaroni cheese and lighter options such as a baby gem salad or creamed spinach.

Some say they also serve some of the best cocktails in London, so for those wanting to indulge in a pre/post dinner drink, have a leisurely read through their list which is made up of forgotten concoctions from lots of long out of print cocktail books.

The thing about the Hawksmoor is the reliability. There are no false claims, no culinary bravado, if they say they can do something it means just that. How refreshing in an age of mediocrity and excuses. Everything else about this rock solid watering hole and restaurant is of the same calibre. Go there with confidence and keen anticipation.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

Cambridge - rather surprisingly - is not particularly well served for the aspiring gastronome, so the addition of Graffiti at the Felix Hotel to the available options has been universally welcomed by the locals. The Observer commented, 'A cool, modern oasis. . . .a marvellous restaurant and all the comforts you can expect from a smart boutique hotel'.

Awarded 2 Rosettes by the AA, the menu covers a generous interpretation of modern British with hints of the Mediterranean. Overlooking the terrace and garden, the candlelit Graffiti is open to both residents and a wider public, and encourages a relaxed ambience against a smart background well lined with contemporary art. In winter an open fire adds to the feeling of luxurious living.

Bedrooms are luxurious, as one might expect, perhaps best described as possessing an opulent simplicity, many with walk in Rainshower showers and a bath. King size Hypnos beds combines with the finest Egyptian cotton bed linen and duvets to ensure the best possible night's sleep. All the modern IT 'smells and bells' are supplied including a laptop safe, and wireless internal hotspots in both bedrooms and public rooms. Four bedrooms are located in the Victorian part of the hotel, the remainder in an adjoining wing. Rooms for the disabled are also available.

A set price lunch menu at £13.95 for two courses, £17.95 for 3 represents some of the best value in town, with a café bar offering lighter dishes for lunch and dinner.

The modern menu is an inspired assembly of dishes, and a meal could commence with confit free range chicken and chestnut mushroom terrine. Raspberry jelly, hazelnuts and wild rocket is served with cured breast of Gressingham duck, while the bread selection accompanied by marinated artichoke hearts, tomato pesto and chilli oil that make a refreshing change, though closer examination reveals wasabi pea crusted loin of yellow fin tuna, confit cucumber and spring onion salad, soy and mirin dressing.

Main courses yield a veritable harvest of enticing choices, not least of which is the rump of Suffolk lamb with green garlic and parsley purée, broad beans, roast aubergine and thyme rösti. A pan fried fillet of hake arrives at the table with roasted bell pepper, confit baby fennel, sautéed ratte potatoes and Cabernet Sauvignon syrup.

Desserts of peach and raspberry curd tart, or bitter chocolate and spearmint torte with white chocolate and mint sorbet are but two of the temptations that await.

A more than usually attractive wine list includes an excellent range of by-the-glass options guaranteed to meet the great majority of aspirations. This is followed by an impressive collection of house wines, including the house champagne at a reasonable £38.50. Prices in general hover between the £30/£40 mark, and there are more expensive but still reasonably priced offerings to cope with that special occasion.

Private rooms and the terrace are also available for occasions when only something rather special will do.

Little more than a mile from the centre of Cambridge, regarded by many as the most civilised of our University cities, Hotel Felix is well-placed for access to main link roads, business parks and the M11 and offers free parking - a rarity in the city. For more information, including further details on staying at the Hotel Felix, do visit their Website.

Veeraswamy, on Regent Street, near to Piccadilly Circus, is not just a first class Indian restaurant in London - it is an institution, the sort of place, admittedly now pretty rare, that enthusiasts exiled to parts of Britain where 'slipping out for an Indian' is not an option, dream about as they savour in their minds those enchanting aromas, the subtle, sometimes gloriously blatant, flavours.

Since 1926, when the great grandson of an English General, and an Indian Princess founded this part of what has become our heritage, Veeraswamy has provided delight and nourishment to the millions of contented Britons and their friends. The list of celebrities is as endless as the exotic menus that have so skilfully kept pace with the passage of time.

The décor, luxury blended with chic, reflects a Maharaja's palace of the 1920s and all the glitz and colourful extravagance that they invoke. The silver painted ceiling has been restored to its original height of 10 feet, the chandeliers take full advantage of the extra space, all lending a compelling aura of the Indian sub-continent only a short distance from Piccadilly. After the refurbishment Andrew Lloyd Webber, a man who'd not normally give an over-statement, commented in the Daily Telegraph, 'One of the best new rooms in the Capital'.

So what of the cuisine? Well, as you can probably imagine by now, Veeraswamy is not just a pretty face, and the food is sensational. A menu of classical dishes satisfies those who treasure the ancient recipes and inclinations of Indian cuisine, whilst leaving plenty of room for more contemporary creations that excite and inspire.

The basis of Indian food is sharing, even if some starters benefit from more individual attention. A cuisine that covers the whole of India, favouring no particular area is offered, including some dishes that are seldom seen outside India. First courses hover between the £6.50 - £11 mark, mains around £16 - £21, with desserts about £5.50.

This means that for a first class three course dinner with wine and service expect to spend around £55, with lunch prices at about £38.

Close attention is paid at Veeraswamy to the classical dishes from homes both well to do, and bourgeois. Tandoor ovens as used on the North West frontier have always produced wonderfully flavoured food such as Kashmiri rogan josh, or begum bahar, a home style Lucknow chicken korma with saffron. A much prized speciality from the Royal kitchens of Hyberadad is Nizami Murgh, chicken breast and koftas with pine nut, lemon and rose petal.

It is a real joy to see proper attention being paid to some of the specialities that come from India's extended coastline, where 35% of the population live, notably Goa and the Malabar coast. Enjoy Malabar lobster curry with fresh turmeric and unripe mango or that Bengali classic, sea bream paturi, steamed in a banana leaf with a chilli and mustard sauce.

Indian desserts are there in abundance, though by that stage in the meal you may have normally declared a truce. And for a real treat take the family to enjoy an Indian Sunday lunch at Veeraswamy.

Cinnamon Tree on Exmouth Market offers guests an Indian cuisine menu in a vibrant contemporary setting in the bustling heart of Clerkenwell. Close to Saddlers Wells and the Old Red Lion Theatre, it's the perfect spot for a pre or post-theatre dinner. Farringdon Rail Station and Angel Tube Station are also with walking distance.

Whet the appetite with starters of duck tikka, breast of duck marinated in light spices and grilled in the tandoor over charcoal; tender lamb chops marinated in yoghurt, cream, cheese and ginger and grilled in the tandoor or king prawn puri, a classic dish of king prawns stir fried in a medium spicy sauce and served with deep fried puffed thin bread.

From the tandoor or charcoal grill there are specialities such as tandoori trout, whole rainbow trout marinated overnight in ginger, garlic, crushed spices; sheek kebab of pungently spiced minced lamb seasoned with lemon juice, mint, coriander and onion and chicken shashlick marinated in spices and barbequed with peppers, onions and tomatoes.

For the main course why not try one of the chef's specials including garlic chicken chilli masala, shank of lamb marinated with herbs and spices and roasted in the oven, or roop chand bhuna a traditional fish dish of Indian Ocean silver pomfret marinated and pan fried with garlic, onion, tomato, spices and herbs. A variety of Balti specialities, vegetarian dishes and aromatic biryanis are also offered on the à la carte.

A sumptuous deluxe set menu for two delivers starters of poppadom, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, sheikh kebab, lamb tikka and king prawn and mains of butter chicken, prawn bhuna, vegetable curry, pilau rice and naan followed by dessert and coffee.
The drinks menu offers a variety of aperitifs, white and red wines as well as beers such as Cobra, Kingfisher and Tiger.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

Within the luxurious Lancaster London Hotel, Island Grill is a 2 AA Rosette awarded restaurant with award-winning cuisine ranging from British classics to more cosmopolitan choices. A chic and contemporary interior with a funky cocktail bar and dining room features a light-filled, split-level space with cool, clean lines and dark wood tables. Diners can relax on comfortable banquettes at Island Grill London while enjoying the modern British menu, as well as the spectacular views across the Italian Gardens of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Lancaster Gate Tube Station is a stone's throw away.

Starters of rustic pork pate with pistachios, grape chutney and toast, pan fried Atlantic scallops with marinated artichoke and bacon salad or smoked halibut with saffron risotto served with mussel and herb butter sauce make for a good beginning to the meal at Island Grill Bayswater.

Follow with light mains of goat's cheese and smoked tomato tart with a light basil pesto, grilled prawn Caesar salad with ciabatta croutons or char grilled tuna Niçoise with a salad of French beans, cherry tomatoes, black olives, peppers, new potatoes and egg. If you prefer something more substantial, The Island Grill menu has classics such as steak and ale pie, beer battered cod with chips and roast Suffolk chicken with spatzle, wild mushroom, artichoke and chicken jus. Alternatively, try a fillet steak with your choice of sauce, the Island burger with cheese and bacon served with chips or side salad or calf's liver and bacon with sautéed spinach and garlic.

For a quick lunch, an express menu offers char grilled minute steak with chips and garlic butter, grilled pork chop with crushed new potatoes, caramelised apples and red wine jus or Devonshire crab cake with a fennel slaw and a red pepper tartare sauce.

For a hearty start to the day, Island Grill restaurant offers choices of full English and vegetarian breakfasts. There's also smoked salmon and poached egg on a toasted muffin with homemade hollandaise sauce or toasted soft bun with double sausage, bacon and a fried egg, French toast with fruit salad and maple syrup, or granola and Greek yoghurt with mixed berry compote. A selection of breakfast cocktails, tea and coffee completes the meal.

Puddings of coffee crème brûlée with pistachio biscotti, baked Alaska with passion fruit and a sumptuous, rich dark chocolate fondant with white chocolate mousse and chocolate sorbet will satisfy the sweet tooth.

At the Island Grill bar, enjoy a variety of excellent cocktails, draught beer and ales. A largely French wine list, with wines available by the glass and carafe, complements the food perfectly.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

Established in May 1996, Victoria's has gone from strength to strength under the careful and dedicated ownership of Fiona and Angus John MacLellan and their enthusiastic, young family of three; indeed, the restaurant was given the name of their youngest child. Victoria's operates as a coffee shop from 10 am till 5.30 pm.

From 5.30 pm, it offers a bistro style menu until late, offering a cosmopolitan blend of quality cuisine set in informal surroundings, with an emphasis on friendly, attentive high standards of service.

During the day the wide ranging choice varies from full breakfast menu, baked potatoes, burgers, salads through to main courses. Luxury sandwiches include Mexican chicken wrap - chicken breast slices, peppers and onions with salsa, guacamole, sour cream and chives, rolled in a flour tortilla or American club sandwich - a three tier toasted wholegrain bread sandwich, layered with tender chicken breast slices, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise, or steak sandwich - freshly baked panini with grain mustard mayonnaise, grilled steak, caramelized onions and blue cheese.

Whilst a full à la carte menu is also available, this makes it difficult to give an exact average cost per head, as it could vary from a fiver up to twenty five or thirty pounds, if you push the boat out.

In evening the mood changes from bustling coffee shop to bistro style dining. Lights are dimmed, tablecloths spread and candles appear on the tables. The menu varies from such tempting starters as tasty calamari, authentic nachos with chilli beef or 8oz sirlon steak with tiger tail prawns.

There is a wide selection of mains courses ranging from fresh landed East Coast haddock and French fries, or authentic fajitas with beef, chicken, prawns or combo, or prime Scottish salmon grilled with lime butter, and served with Hollandaise, asparagus and creamy pesto mash. Superb Scottish beef, supplied by award winning butcher Simon Howie is also much in evidence, cooked to your wishes on the charcoal grill.

And if you have room don't forget their puddings, as they are memorable. For instance their sticky toffee pudding, made to a secret family recipe served with warm toffee sauce, pecan pie or chocolate fudge cake to die for.

Be assured that whatever time of the day you choose to visit Victoria's you will receive a warm welcome and attentive, friendly service.

For their full details, which encompasses everything on the menu and details on everything to see in the locality, visit their Website.

Dimitris is a well-established Greek restaurant with a strong Mediterranean influence, exercising a strong hold over the contemporary café society of central Manchester. Its location at the lower end of Deansgate in a clever conversion of an airy glass and iron arcade, is inspired and tends to encourage a feeling of exhilaration before the eating and drinking even starts.

The interpretation of the cuisine is joyfully elastic and some wonderful variations on traditional dishes appear from time to time. The Greek tapas are particularly pleasing and help towards creating the right atmosphere in this buoyant restaurant.

For ease of choice, the menu is split into a number of sections, dippy, meaty, fishy, cheesy and veggy and chilli. Each dippy comes with two hot pitas, and could be taramasalata or tapenade. From the meaty selection, the char-grilled lamb chops or salt and pepper spare ribs are popular, whilst octopodi, octopus slowly cooked with onions in a red wine sauce, and mariscos, mixed seafood in a tomato and wine sauce seem to reach the parts that others may not.

The ever-popular dolmades, stuffed vine leaves with a tomato sauce, and halloumi, grilled Cypriot cheese invoke well the flavours of the region, underlining the high quality of the food throughout, while the chorizo bravas with potatoes in salsa gives the intended modern twist.

Other substantial main courses include the char-grilled lamb chops, or sirloin steak, and the kebabs of chicken, lamb, pork, fish or vegetables, served with Casablanca rice, salad and spicy sauce. Spaghetti and other favourites such as moussaka and tagine make their presence felt in the vividly designed menu while smaller portions of pasta and other dishes help children end their meal with a smile.

This is a restaurant where eating is made simple through ease of choice and food that is undemanding on the palate, leaving the challenge to come from the company and some agreeable drinking. If you like dessert wine, do not miss their Dulce de Pasas from Spain, described with some justification as liquid raisins.

Dimitris is easy to reach, with Deansgate Railway station a few minutes away and the Metrolink tram running close by. Round the corner is the Castlefield Visitors Centre.

They have a particularly comprehensive Website, with full details of their menu and all their special offers.