Housed in the striking Grange Manor Hotel, on the outskirts of Grangemouth and Falkirk, Wallace's Bar & Restaurant offers contemporary Scottish cuisine in elegant, comfortable surroundings. Close to Sterling, and just a short drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow, the restaurant's location can hardly be bettered with diners from across Scotland joining hotel guests. It originally served as a residence for the Factor to the Earl of Zetland and the wooden staircases and the elaborate cornices bear testament to the building's tradition and history.

The menu emphasises the use of fresh, local ingredients wherever possible, with eclectic starters such as spicy chorizo and potato stew with fresh pancetta and crusty bread alongside steamed Shetland mussels with garlic cream. Main courses could include comforting classics such as braised shoulder of Scottish lamb on a casserole of root vegetables, or roulade of free range chicken with sun blushed tomato and basil farce, and crispy pancetta. The tempting dessert menu includes a simple bread and butter pudding with rum and raisin ice cream, honeycomb cheesecake or 'Ruari's' millionaire shortbread sundae.

Wallace's Bar and Restaurant also offers a selection of side orders, plates to share, sandwiches and lighter meals.

An ideal pick for impressive Italian food if you happen to be around Endell Street; Café Mode is a little oasis of serenity with that unmistakable Mediterranean feel. Dressed with dark furniture, light-hued walls and mirrors, this relaxed café makes a fantastic stop for lunch or dinner.

The concise but hearty selection of dishes capture the essence of what Italian food should be, flavoursome, fresh and carefully balancing different ingredients. So if you're after some straightforward cooking that is wholly satisfying try smoked salmon, calamari fritti, bruschetta with goats' cheese and pepper, grilled marinated chicken breast, prime sirloin steak or lamb cutlets. Bring those chocolately dreams to life at dessert time with a chocolate royal of rich chocolate mousse on a dark chocolate cake topped with light and dark chocolate flakes.

When you enter a chain restaurant there is always a sense of déjà vu, yet with the twelve outlets of Giraffe, this may not really be true. Russel and Juliette Joffe and Andrew Jacobs' philosophy behind this group of restaurants is sustaining the driving force of healthy, happy eating, while retaining the difference each location brings. This includes minor variations in the menu too, and explains why the restaurant does not like to be called a chain, but prefers being referred to as a herd. The origin of its quaint name too, is interesting. The giraffe has the largest heart in the animal kingdom, and with its magnificent height is able to perceive things differently. These two features of being different and large hearted sum up the restaurant's proclamation of 'love, eat, live'.

Giraffe offers world food and adds an unusual twist to some familiar dishes. Their breakfast menu has stacked pancakes with bananas and blueberries, warm waffles, ranch styles tostadas and healthy veggie options. Some great starters are a mezze plate with warm naans that offer the best of many cuisines - grilled halloumi, hummus, tzatiki, ratatouille and falafel. Japanese king fried prawns are a hit, while another bright spot on the menu, is the colourful sunshine antipasti bruschetta, a clever combination of artichokes, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, roasted peppers, red onion and rocket on pesto foccacia. If this long list of ingredients is intriguing, just wait until your palate takes over.

The house's special salad, cheekily called 'more than love', is colourful and has crunchy appeal. The Thai chicken and vermicelli noodle version is an equally enticing starter. For mains, there are plenty of options like roasted corn and chilli bran burritos, tangy turkey enchiladas and the much loved sweet potatoes, asparagus, green beans and broccoli served with organic brown basmati rice. One can also settle for a good old burger and wash it down with interesting smoothies. They also offer world wines and unusual cocktails with catchy names like Bombay flower and pomegranate caipirinha.

The dessert section comprises of not just fruit based healthy desserts, but brilliant stars like Swiss mountain chocolate cheesecake, banana waffle split and rocky road ice cream sundaes, which transport the diner to a state of bliss. The friendly staff, who are carefully hired for their sunny disposition, and children's activities help make these restaurants a very special, happy and healthy treat indeed.

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

You can expect a national institution such as The Dorchester to be on top of the form in all its departments. Whilst it may therefore come as no surprise that their flagship Grill, under the care of Head Chef Brian Hughson is in excellent shape, it is reassuring to know that English cuisine done with imagination and flair can still lead the world.

The rich and opulent décor amply matches the quality of the food and service which is perfectly manned with never a hint of grovel, all that any reasonable person asks. Brian Hughson's pedigree shines through his menu of traditional British and classic grill dishes. With twenty years of culinary experience which includes cooking for the British royalty, and his prior stint at Gary Rhodes's W1, Pétrus and the Savoy Grill, one would expect a certain level of proficiency and he certainly does not disappoint.

Carefully sourced ingredients are apparent from the outset, wild Scottish smoked salmon and gravadlax setting the right note, with a flavour that utterly convinces. The British love affair with fish and other creatures of the sea is reflected in a menu that certainly takes heed of this trait and of the courses normally on offer no less than three are from the sea, starting with Cornish pollock, lemon sole goujons, or native lobster roasted in vanilla butter, braised red onions, lobster mayonnaise and bitter leaves. Pot roast of pigs head with cinnamon and honey and Casterbridge beef fillet with bone marrow and haggis risotto makes for an interesting set of dishes that are not likely to be missed.

A wine list of featuring Old and New World wines are at hand to accompany your meal and experienced sommeliers will help you make the right choice.

Livebait's belief in the joy of simple pleasures has helped turn it into one of the best places to enjoy uncomplicated yet elegant fresh fish and seafood. This small chain of comfortable and informal restaurants, presents traditional favourites with a modern and creative twist.

The atmosphere is bright and lively, with white walls, tiled floors and cosy seating. A friendly team offer you attentive service to make sure your visit is truly memorable. Heads often turn as the innovative and beautifully presented fish dishes leave the kitchen, bound for the tables.

Amongst the starters expect to find crab cakes with dill mayonnaise, Livebait's fish soup, gravadlax with pickled cucumber, as well as delicious deep fried calamari rings with crème fraîche.

For those who enjoy shellfish, the menu offers a plate with Canadian lobster, Devonshire crab, shell-on prawns and gambas prawns. A glance at the blackboard helps reveals daily specials that are both tempting and unique. Steamed sea bass fillets with mussels served on saffron risotto makes for a healthy main course.

The market fish section brings a choice of Indian Ocean yellow fin tuna steak, whole Mediterranean sea bass, Cornish sardines, whole gilt head bream and organic salmon, served with a Hollandaise, caper beurre noisette or garlic butter sauce. Their lively bar area serves lighter bites and is open all day.

Champagne along with red, white and rosé wines helps to complement the food. The dessert list includes dark chocolate fondant with vanilla dairy ice cream, also a selection of regional British cheeses.

They also have interesting set deals and children's menu. The distinctive Livebait experience can be enjoyed for both lunch and dinner.

When you enter a chain restaurant there is always a sense of déjà vu, yet with the twelve outlets of Giraffe, this may not really be true. Russel and Juliette Joffe and Andrew Jacobs' philosophy behind this group of restaurants is sustaining the driving force of healthy, happy eating, while retaining the difference each location brings. This includes minor variations in the menu too, and explains why the restaurant does not like to be called a chain, but prefers being referred to as a herd. The origin of its quaint name too, is interesting. The giraffe has the largest heart in the animal kingdom, and with its magnificent height is able to perceive things differently. These two features of being different and large hearted sum up the restaurant's proclamation of 'love, eat, live'.

Giraffe offers world food and adds an unusual twist to some familiar dishes. Their breakfast menu has stacked pancakes with bananas and blueberries, warm waffles, ranch styles tostadas and healthy veggie options. Some great starters are a mezze plate with warm naans that offer the best of many cuisines - grilled halloumi, hummus, tzatiki, ratatouille and falafel.  Japanese king fried prawns are a hit, while another bright spot on the menu, is the colourful sunshine antipasti bruschetta, a clever combination of artichokes, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, roasted peppers, red onion and rocket on pesto foccacia. If this long list of ingredients is intriguing, just wait until your palate takes over.

The house's special salad, cheekily called 'more than love', is colourful and has crunchy appeal. The Thai chicken and vermicelli noodle version is an equally enticing starter. For mains, there are plenty of options like roasted corn and chilli bran burritos, tangy turkey enchiladas and the much loved sweet potatoes, asparagus, green beans and broccoli served with organic brown basmati rice. One can also settle for a good old burger and wash it down with interesting smoothies. They also offer world wines and unusual cocktails with catchy names like Bombay flower and pomegranate caipirinha.

The dessert section comprises of not just fruit based healthy desserts, but brilliant stars like Swiss mountain chocolate cheesecake, banana waffle split and rocky road ice cream sundaes, which transport the diner to a state of bliss. The friendly staff, who are carefully hired for their sunny disposition, and children's activities help make these restaurants a very special, happy and healthy treat indeed.

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

When you enter a chain restaurant there is always a sense of déjà vu, yet with the twelve outlets of Giraffe, this may not really be true. Russel and Juliette Joffe and Andrew Jacobs' philosophy behind this group of restaurants is sustaining the driving force of healthy, happy eating, while retaining the difference each location brings. This includes minor variations in the menu too, and explains why the restaurant does not like to be called a chain, but prefers being referred to as a herd. The origin of its quaint name too, is interesting. The giraffe has the largest heart in the animal kingdom, and with its magnificent height is able to perceive things differently. These two features of being different and large hearted sum up the restaurant's proclamation of 'love, eat, live'.

Giraffe offers world food and adds an unusual twist to some familiar dishes. Their breakfast menu has stacked pancakes with bananas and blueberries, warm waffles, ranch styles tostadas and healthy veggie options. Some great starters are a mezze plate with warm naans that offer the best of many cuisines - grilled halloumi, hummus, tzatiki, ratatouille and falafel.  Japanese king fried prawns are a hit, while another bright spot on the menu, is the colourful sunshine antipasti bruschetta, a clever combination of artichokes, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, roasted peppers, red onion and rocket on pesto foccacia. If this long list of ingredients is intriguing, just wait until your palate takes over.

The house's special salad, cheekily called 'more thn love', is colourful and has crunchy appeal. The Thai chicken and vermicelli noodle version is an equally enticing starter. For mains, there are plenty of options like roasted corn and chilli bran burritos, tangy turkey enchiladas and the much loved sweet potatoes, asparagus, green beans and broccoli served with organic brown basmati rice. One can also settle for a good old burger and wash it down with interesting smoothies. They also offer world wines and unusual cocktails with catchy names like Bombay flower and pomegranate caipirinha.

The dessert section comprises of not just fruit based healthy desserts, but brilliant stars like Swiss mountain chocolate cheesecake, banana waffle split and rocky road ice cream sundaes, which transport the diner to a state of bliss. The friendly staff, who are carefully hired for their sunny disposition, and children's activities help make these restaurants a very special, happy and healthy treat indeed.

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

Spending an enjoyable evening in the refreshing ambience of The Orangery at the Danesfield House Hotel and Spa requires little second thought. Guests can dine here from a modern British menu for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Located in Henley Road, the hotel stands in exquisite grounds with acres of formal gardens and outstanding views over the River Thames to the Chiltern Hills beyond.

The evening meal could begin with risotto of roast Cornish scallops and winter truffle; terrine of confit chicken leg with chestnuts, quince puree and pickled trompettes, or salad of roast quail, sweet carrot puree and roasted cèpes. Then consider a pan-fried fillet of bream with crab risotto and crab jus, or slow cooked sirloin steak with pomme puree, pied de mouton and red wine jus. Sumptuous desserts of chestnut soufflé and pear sorbet, and dark chocolate pannacotta with pink grapefruit granita and cocoa nib tuile bring the meal to a fitting end. The wine list, graced with aromatic, spicy whites and mellow, fruity reds, provides further food for thought.