The 17th century Anchor Inn is an established award winning riverside inn full of charm and character. Concentrating on fine, locally fresh yet unpretentious food and serving quality local beer as well as a superb wine list, the Anchor is an example of what is good about the independent modern British gastropub.

Should you fancy a longer stay they have four guest bedrooms, described by Paddy Burt in her Daily Telegraph column as'...a little bit of heaven anchored in Fenland'. Those living in the Fens will know exactly what she means.

Sensibly, a word that often comes to mind when looking at the Anchor Inn, they have one à la carte menu for dinner every day except on Sunday during December, when it is replaced by a special celebratory version. At other times an excellent lunch, two courses for £12.95, three for £16.95 is on offer.

A nice touch is provided by the pre-meal arrangements, enabling the menu to be considered over a glass of champagne or a glass of Barbadillo Manzanilla extra dry sherry, with a bowl of olives and roast cashews or sea salt and Balsamic crisps.

Dishes on offer could range from starters like chicken liver pâté with red onion marmalade and melba toast; grilled dates wrapped in bacon in a mild grain mustard cream sauce, or warm cranberry and brie filo parcel.

The same inspired approach persists into the choice of main courses, with pan-fried free range chicken breast on forestière potatoes and herb pesto. Ballotine of pheasant and Parma ham with chestnut stuffing, roasted new potatoes, winter greens and red wine jus carries with it a blend of flavours that brings the taste buds smartly to attention. Pan-fried sea bass is always popular, served here on chilli, herb and horseradish linguine with steamed pak choi.

From a list of five desserts the double chocolate brownie with Mandarin ice-cream stands supreme, or there's vanilla cheesecake with black cherry compote. For many, a well kept cheeseboard is an essential and here the selection of unusual British farmhouse cheeses does not disappoint.

This is a great spot for Sunday lunch when the menu might contain starters of seared king scallops on pea puree and baby fondant potatoes with crispy bacon and lemon dressing; mozzarella and tomato salad with fresh basil pesto, roast sirloin of Ouse Wash beef with full accompaniments, or fillet of sea trout on a bed of sautéed new potatoes, creamed leeks and broad beans with sauce vierge. Denham Estate venison steak also makes an appearance.

For dessert many folk would need a lot of persuasion not to opt for the raspberry and amaretti terrine with crème fraîche. With serving hours now extended to 2.30pm there is simply no excuse for not taking the family out for a real treat.

A well varied and comfortably priced wine list, with some 60 choices, well described and helpfully categorised; is in keeping with this well-run yet relaxed and friendly place. Due attention is paid to the needs of those who wish to confine their drinking to by-the-glass.

Menu variations follow the seasons and the markets, and a quick click on their attractive Website will keep you up to scratch.

Chimichanga Lincoln on Brayford Wharf serves a delicious Mexican cuisine menu in stunning, contemporary surroundings overlooking Brayford Pool. Ideally located close to the centre of the historic city, and a short walk from popular landmarks including Lincoln Cathedral, the historic Bailgate Quarter and the Theatre Royal, the restaurant is perfect for weary tourists to enjoy a welcome break.

Chimichanga's extensive à la carte caters to a variety of palates. A wide range of delicious appetisers includes crab cakes, Buffalo chicken wings and empanadas, a traditional crispy pastry filled with a choice of chicken or chorizo sausage with cheese and served with sour cream. Other choices include piri piri prawns, Cajun chicken with chilli sauce and jalapeno bullets, a dish of deep fried jalapeno peppers with cream cheese and chilli sauce. Appetisers to share include chicken nachos or taquitos, crispy flour tortilla tubes with a range of fillings including cheese and black beans, chicken, cheese and salsa and chorizo and cheese.

Light bites include a range of tortilla wraps including a classic fajita wrap with a choice of char grilled fajita steak or chicken served with peppers and onions in a tortilla with Jack cheese. Vegetarians are catered for with the delicious courgette and Portobello mushroom wraps which comes with chipotle chilli sauce and jack cheese. There's also a number of tempting salad options such as blackened tuna salad with tuna steak coated in a special blend of Cajun spices, blacked on a hot skillet and served over a bed of mixed leaves with roasted peppers, cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

For something more filling diners could opt for a tortilla burger, made from 100 per cent fully traceable prime Scottish beef wrapped in a flour tortilla with mayonnaise and served with changa chips.

The char grill section's succulent offerings include barbecue baby back ribs served with change chips and jalapeno coleslaw; sirloin mojo rojo, a centre cut sirloin steak marinated in chilli, garlic and coriander and served with beer battered onion rings and change chips, Santa Fe chicken with rice, black beans and guacamole or flame grilled piri piri chicken.

Sumptuous Mexican specialities naturally include chimichanga, a flour tortilla fried golden brown with Jack cheese and served with your choice of filling - either chunky beef chilli con carne, BBQ pulled pork or bean chilli - sautéed onions and peppers and garnished with sour cream, chives, guacamole and tortilla croutons, as well as a variety of burritos, enchiladas and tostadas. There are also chipotle meatballs, Mexican paella, chilli de la casa and south-western crab cakes. The grande quesadilla is a baked flour tortilla sandwich with your choice of filling and drizzled with sour cream and served with Mexican rice and chipotle chilli sauce.

The lunch menu offers a choice of two or three courses while a children's menu caters to the tastes of the little ones.

Round off the satisfying meal with scrumptious dessert of giant Mexican profiterole, chocolate fudge brownie or honeycomb smash cheesecake. Alternatively, end with a speciality coffee or liqueur. Chimichanga offers a variety of wines, beers, cocktails, margheritas, sangria and soft drinks to quench the thirst.

More information can be found on their Website.

The Almanack is a modern British gastropub in the heart of Kenilworth, between Abbey Fields and the High Street. The Almanack belongs to the people behind the Rose and Crown in Warwick. Jeremy Kynaston has enjoyed two years there, winning friends and awards along the way and is now in the process of welcoming old friends and making new ones at the Almanack.

On arrival the entrance takes you into a comfortable bar and lounge furnished with beautiful vintage armchairs and sofas. There is a great island bar in the middle where you can drink, chat and watch the world go by as well as a glamorous dining room with views of the open kitchen. Perfect for dinner parties with family and friends is the Private Dining Room which can sit up to 30 people.

At the heart of a true gastropub is, of course, the menu. Head Chef Jakub Fijak gained cuilnary experience in his own home city of Krakow and spent years in Poland honing his skills. After learning the fine nuances of French cooking in St Helier, he is back in the kitchen serving a fantastic menu featuring both retro and modern pub dishes with his knowledge and love of fresh, simple ingredients.

Breakfast is served from 8am to 12noon, featuring healthy, sensible food with not a full English in sight, and, if you're in a real rush, you can take it away with you. The deli board lives on in five manifestations of cheese, cold cuts, fish, veggie and a favourites board, and an option of adding a classic cheese fondue to any of them. A perfect start to a meal or to share with a friend over a glass of wine or two! For those in a hurry, the roast of the day is ideal. You can check which day it is by what's on your plate, ranging from roast leg of Cornish lamb to the Aberdeenshire 28 day dry-aged roast beef and traditional trimmings.

Their meat is all free range and comes from award-winning local butcher, Aubrey Allen. Other ingredients are sourced from producers who take pride in their products and an ethical stance in their production. The Almanack ensures their menu always makes the most of the best seasonal ingredients - this is to avoid air-freighting and keeps you in touch with the cycle of the year - to maximise freshness, quality and value.

Whilst eating is most certainly taken seriously, a pub wouldn't be a pub without great drinks. For those who like a wine list that does the business with adequate choices, but not enough to cloud your judgement, Almanack is your place. A choice of five champagnes, two by the glass is followed by a selection of whites that embrace Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2009, and start with a South African Chenin Blanc available in bottle, large or small glass on draught, or a carafe for friendly drinking. Amongst the reds you could spot a Malbec, San Rafael from Argentina. Both these countries are now producing wines that will stand with the best from almost anywhere.

The Almanack is a pub with a conscience about eating and drinking, with a real sense of purpose. The customer concern level is high, and would go so far as to say that at last somebody has found a way to combine the best of the gastropub with fresh 21st century bonhomie, that has given new meaning to 'the local'.

Find out even more by clicking on their Website. You might also want to consider visiting The Rose and Crown in nearby Warwick, the sister pub to The Almanack.

Set close to the bandstand on King Edward's Parade, The Mirabelle Restaurant at The Grand Hotel serves a fine modern European menu in its elegant dining room. A dining institution facing the picturesque seafront, The Grand Hotel is famed for its association with music, particularly the French composer Claude Debussy. The Mirabelle is perfect for a romantic dinner for two, or that special occasion with family and friends.
 
Showcasing seasonal classics, Head Chef Gerald Röser brings his vast experience and signature style to define The Mirabelle cuisine. Holding 2 AA Rosettes, The Mirabelle offers a variety of freshly prepared classics made using the best seasonal ingredients, which are locally sourced wherever possible.
 
Start with combinations like butter bean and oyster mushroom velouté with crisp chorizo topping, cassoulet salad with confit of duck leg and truffle dressing, or hand-carved Scottish smoked salmon, traditional blinis and chive crème fraîche.

Follow with the chef's delicious signature dishes of marinated rump of marsh lamb with rösti potatoes and red wine jus, roast goose breast with red cabbage, parsnip purée and parsnip crisp, French beans and Shiraz sauce, or fillet of sea bass with tomato and black olive salsa, saffron mash and baby spinach. Lunch and seasonal classics menus are also available.

Enjoy a selection of the best dishes from The Mirabelle's tasting menu, which offers seared diver scallops in truffle and champagne sauce, and Jerusalem artichoke soup with wild mushrooms. Meat dishes include squab pigeon breast winter salad with croutons, roast chestnuts and pumpkin, and roast loin of Sussex marsh lamb with minted pea purée, dauphinoise potatoes and garden vegetables. A carefully chosen glass of wine complements each dish.

A lunch menu could include starters of dolcelatte and green pea risotto with parmesan wafer, or pike soufflé with sea urchin and buttered lobster. Follow with a rich main course of pumpkin with chèvre and gratinated mushroom 'Wellington', or fillet of Scottish beef with leeks in Serrano ham and truffle jus.

The dessert selection offers tempting creations of passion fruit bavarois with red berry coulis, baked apple stuffed with spiced raisins and served with crumble mousse, and Madirofolo Madagascan chocolate fondant with Pain d'Epices au Miel ice cream. To finish on a lighter but no less satisfying note, try the chef's selection of fine British and continental cheeses, served on a slate plate.

In the period elegance of the adjoining Garden Restaurant, guests are offered equally sumptuous meals in a comfortably informal setting. For a delightful reprieve during the day, there is no better place than the Great Hall and its mouthwatering afternoon tea menu.

At the cocktail bar and lounge, unwind with a pre-dinner cocktail or relax with a selection of afters. An eclectic wine list offers connoisseurs the best examples from all round the world including, a Chateau Lamothe Cissac from France, and a Pinot Noir from New Zealand.

Throughout the year, The Mirabelle hosts a variety of gourmet dinners, as well as wine tastings.

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

Set in a charming 17th-century building, The Ferry Inn offers delicious British cuisine made using fine local produce. From the pleasant riverside garden, guests can enjoy views onto the splendid Kentish countryside.

Led by Head Chef Dominic Wright, formerly of the Savoy in London, The Ferry Inn menu compiles locally sourced fish, meat and vegetables, as well as seasonal game. Whet the appetite with starters of oak-smoked Scottish salmon and Mackley Farm free range eggs on toasted brioche, and follow with main courses like roast rump of Romney Marsh lamb with bubble and squeak.

Tempting desserts of chocolate fudge cake or orange Grand Marnier cheesecake offer an indulgent close. A variety of real ales and fine wines are served from the bar at The Ferry restaurant, and a creative specials menu is offered.

A charming setting, The Ferry Inn is perched between the pretty towns of Tenterden and Appledore.

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

Located in the idyllic Surrey village of Merrow, on the outskirts of Guildford, The Horse and Groom offers a superb modern British menu, with contemporary Mediterranean influences, in a beautiful setting. Housed in a former coaching inn that dates back to the 17th century, the pub's interiors artfully combine contemporary and rustic touches with original features such as timber beams, leaded windows and stone flag floors alongside plush leather sofas, fake fur throws and hessian flooring. This exemplary country pub boasts plenty of on-site parking and is just a short drive from the commuter towns of Woking, Dorking and Godalming. 
 
The a la carte menu changes with the seasons and uses market fresh ingredients, offering diners a wide range of dishes from delicious British classics to pizzas and pastas. Mediterranean fare, bursting with flavour and colour, could include box baked camembert with stirata Romana bread and homemade tomato jam; a garlic pizette with caramelised onions and rocket or salad of spiced pear, roast squash, beetroot, hazelnut and gorgonzola with tomato pesto.

The main course selection is equally bold and updates traditional favourites with clever combinations of ingredients such as crab and chorizo fishcakes with roasted sweet corn and tomato salsa; calves liver with champ potatoes, crispy shallots and red wine jus or duck confit with honey, chilli, pineapple, shallots, sweet potato and butter beans. 

While the à la carte is sufficient treat in itself, customers may want to take note of Steak and Wine Supper Wednesdays, with a range of succulent steaks and a bottle of red wine at half the price or Fabulous Fish Fridays when the talented kitchen team serves a variety of fish and seafood dishes with a bottle of white wine offered at a tempting 50% discount. Wine connoisseurs can look forward to wine tastings all year round as well as Sparkling Thursdays with crisp, fresh Proseccos available at £15 and the house champagne at £20.

For diners who are looking for a quick bite why not choose from the bar menu which offers such dishes as trio of mini burgers of spiced lamb burger with tzatziki, beef burger with tomato salsa and pork and chorizo burger. The Mediterranean influence continues with chicken and chorizo spiedini with chilli jam or calzone of cacciatore pork with tomato frito, garlic and cremé fraiche while classic pub fare could include freshly battered haddock, chips, tartare sauce and minted mushy peas.

The desserts list includes puddings such as warm brownie with vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate sauce; apple and blackcurrant crumble with vanilla custard and choux bun with fresh cream with espresso and chocolate sauce and will end any meal on a sweet note.

The drinks list is replete with a range of aperitifs, digestifs, bottled beers and non-alcoholic drinks in addition to a fine selection of Mediterranean whites and reds along with a sprinkling of examples from the rest of the world.

Enjoyed the Horse and Groom? Why not try its sister pubs The Inn at Maybury in Woking or The Seahorse in Shalford.

More information can be found on their Website.

Forbury's Restaurant is situated in the central square of a modern development opposite Forbury Garden in the centre of Reading; it has achieved many positive reviews since it opened along with a recommendation from Michelin since 2006, two AA Rosettes and inclusion in Harden's Recommended. The restaurant has been created by Xavier Le-Bellego whose name has become associated with fine food and dining.

Xavier has worked with the internationally famous Raymond Blanc, John Burton Race and Albert Roux before managing The Red House near Newbury where he received the coveted 'Gastro Pub of the Year' title for two consecutive years.

Forbury's offers unfussy renditions of modern French and British cuisines and some of the dishes that emerge from the kitchen could be foie gras with truffles, sauce gribiche and quenelle de brochet. Xavier passionately believes that 'good fresh food does not have to be expensive' and this is reflected in the menu admirably.

The modern and stylish restaurant is fully air conditioned and in addition to the main dining area, there is a private dining room, which can seat up to sixteen, a bar area, and a seating area on the terrace outside where diners on fine days can enjoy the pleasant outlook over Forbury Garden. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner each day from Monday to Saturday and for special functions and celebrations on Sunday.

The highly regarded à la carte menu offers starters such as pan-fried Cornish hand dived scallops, pea purée, pea shoots and black pudding; tian of Cornish crab and avocado, confit tomato and red pepper dressing, or gruyère gougère, fricassée of wild mushrooms and poached duck egg. Main courses could include Ashampstead pig's head cooked three ways; squid ink fafarelle with squid, clams, prawns and rosemary cream, or grilled 7oz Gatcombe Farm angus rib-eye steak, also available in 9oz.

Don't miss the enticing range of desserts that include passion fruit soufflé; Amedei dark chocolate fondant, roasted banana and dark chocolate ice cream, or a Braeburn apple tarte tatin for two to share.

The market menu is good value for money and is available for lunch and dinner. Some of the options there are salmon gravadlax and horseradish cream, followed by roasted loin of English pork with roast potatoes, finishing with treacle tart with hot sauce anglaise; there is a choice of four dishes in each course.

Whether it is good food or wine, the French are not too far from it and Forburys's wine list which features around 240 wines from across the world was mentioned in the AA Notable Wine List for 2008. Some of these wines are available by the glass and are a fantastic accompaniment to the meal or just on their own too.

During the evening they are able to offer secure underground parking, however, this must be booked in advance when you book your table. For more information on everything from private dining, the wine list and latest menus, do have a look at their comprehensive Website.

The Town House is a delightful and sophisticated venue, a place where people of good taste can relax and enjoy some of the better things of life, appreciating the mix of good food and a selection of well chosen wines and champagnes to accompany it.

The owners say, 'We have a passion for hospitality, and the desire to deliver great food in a relaxing environment'. Few would dispute that they succeed admirably. This is very much due to Head Chef Rob Wear, whose taster menu is one of the features of The Town House where guests can sample a selection of his signature dishes spread over seven courses.

The winter à la carte yields a number of starters to include ballotine of cured salmon with crème fraîche and caviar, a classic Caesar salad, goose liver parfait with sour cherry foam, chocolate jelly and warm toast, or crispy duck pancakes with glass noodles and hoisin sauce.

Dishes that can be adapted for starters or main courses include paella with seafood, tiger prawns, mussels and squid, or smoked haddock fishcake with fruity curry sauce and pineapple.

Main courses number around ten or so, covering a good range of dishes that will appeal widely starting with red wine poached salmon with young spinach and pea puree. The Town House steak burger is served with Swiss cheese, onions rings and hand cut chips, while herb crusted Cornish lamb rump comes with carrots, peas and herb gnocchi.

Those looking for a slightly more global taste might find the tandoori roasted sea bass, cumin crushed potatoes and garlic aioli to be an interesting addition to their lunch or dinner menu. Another firm favourite amongst the many regulars would be the 12oz sirloin steak on the bone or an 8oz fillet steak.

Puddings are as tempting as ever, with hot chocolate fondant and vanilla ice cream, which simply ensure any thought of a diet is seriously banished! There's also baked Alaska sundae or caramelised lemon tart which tantalise and satisfy every palate.

The taste of The Town House menu is your answer to a quick bite at lunchtime, with choices that could embrace risotto Nero with tiger prawns and garlic butter; sashimi of blue fin tuna, shisu cress, wasabi and spring onions, and leek, mushroom and ricotta parcel with aubergine caviar. Have lunch there and you can leave your car in safety whilst you shop in Solihull.

A broad-church wine list is well supported by a range of classic cocktails and some of the more exotic draught beers. The Town House benefits from a fabulously appointed Private Dining Room, which is suitable for any family celebration or occasion and is also used for corporate hospitality, meetings, cocktail parties, product launches, etc. There is also a comprehensive event guide to include a variety of programmes.

Be sure to check on their excellent Website for menu variations and details of events.

Two minutes from the centre of Harrogate, but a million miles from the average restaurant, Villu Toots is truly different; its classic, yet stunningly contemporary, minimalist decor provides a chic, stylish setting to accentuate the individuality of its customers. Large enough to seat up to 70 people in spacious comfort and yet maintain an intimate and friendly atmosphere.

A very contemporary menu embraces both the traditional and the unexpected, and delights those who not only appreciate excellence but also prize value. Starters could be: carpaccio of peppered tuna with a fennel, papaya, radish, lemon and coriander salad; a warm tartlet of tomato, basil and glazed goat?s cheese with a rocket and red onion salad and a vintage balsamic vinaigrette or cheddar cheese soup finished with leeks, tomato and fresh chervil and homemade cheddar and chive bread.

Then those might be followed by a choice of seared calf?s liver with blue cheese dumplings, Irish cabbage and a light mustard sauce; grilled langoustines and red mullet fillets coated in a bouillabaisse style sauce, Gruyere cheese, rouille and herb sippets; fillet of turbot with scallops, baby leeks and wild mushrooms or pesto linguini topped with char-grilled Mediterranean vegetable kebab with fresh parmesan.

Desserts are no less tempting, who could resist a dark chocolate torte, seared fruits, mint and champagne syrup; crispy baked apple, sultana and armagnac samosas, cinnamon mascarpone cream or iced blood orange and Grand Marnier 'glace' souffle, confit of pineapple? The wine list is equally diverse, with fine vintages rubbing shoulders with more youthful newcomers, and throughout your meal Villu Toots's lively convivial staff provide informal but attentive service.

For further details, do have a look at their attractively presented Website, which also has their full menu.

If you are too tired after dinner to drive home, you can even opt to stay overnight at The Balmoral Hotel in one of their sumptuous bedrooms, which helped them to win The Which? Good Hotel Guide Hotel of the Year in 2002, or call them on +44 (0)1423 508208.

San Carlos Flying Pizza on Street Lane welcomes guests with a sophisticated ambience complete with crisp white linen table cloths and plush leather chairs. Serving delicious Italian cuisine in a spacious airy atmosphere, it is the perfect place for a business lunch or leisurely evening meal. To make the most of a sunny day, take advantage of the stunning al fresco dining area. Situated close to Leeds?s popular Roundhay Park, the restaurant is ideal to recharge your batteries after a round of golf or a walk around the Tropical House and Gardens.
 
The meticulously compiled à la carte changes seasonally and offers a range of authentic Italian dishes made with the finest ingredients. Starters include classic antipasti of mixed Italian salami and Parma ham served with artichoke and fried pecorino cheese; char grilled aubergines, courgettes and peppers marinated in fresh mint with extra virgin oil, garlic and chilli and served with buffalo mozzarella and parsley; or deep fried whitebait with baby marrows.
 
The tempting main course offers a range of dishes such as pan fried breast of chicken with white wine, mushrooms, cream sauce and asparagus; escalopes of veal cooked in mustard seeds, cream, brandy and mushrooms; calf's liver in a traditional Venetian sauce made with onions, Madeira wine and polenta; and lamb cutlets in Madeira sauce with rosemary and sun dried tomatoes. Seafood lovers will be spoilt with choices of roasted giant prawn, langoustine, prawn crevettes, scallop and mussels with garlic butter; special pasta with lobster, brandy, tomato, cream and peas or a mixed grill platter with a selection of five different fish and shellfish.
 
The pasta selection is an interesting mélange of regional dishes such as lasagne emiliane, a variation on the layered pasta dish with bechamel and Bolognese sauce topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Other choices include linguine with clams, tiger prawns, tomato sauce, cream and sun blushed tomato; and garganelli salsiccia and porcini, an egg pasta dish with a spicy sausage specially imported from Calabria served with porcini mushrooms and a light tomato sauce.

As you would expect, there's also a superb range of pizzas on offer including the house special pizza Bianca with smoked Scottish salmon, sliced red onion, soured cream and chopped dill, or pizza Daviola with tomatoes, cheese, spicy hot sausage, onions and chillies.

To finish, consider traditional pannacotta served with fresh fruits, chocolate coated zabaglione flavoured ice cream or a classic baked cheesecake. There's also a range of homemade desserts, ice creams and sorbets as well as a mixed Italian cheese platter served with grapes, celery and biscuits.

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