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The Swans Restaurant, a part of The Three Swans Hotel in Market Harborough, may not be the most modern architectural marvel, but that's precisely what works to its advantage. Sporting a quaint 16th century façade with its large bay windows, hanging baskets and black woodwork, the hotel is set in a prime location and is loved for its rich history, time-tested delicacies and prompt attentive service.

The á la carte menu is a wonderful array of delights including the smoked salmon and dill rilette, Bate's butchers' local sirloin steak and confit of duck leg and a host of other equally exotic fare. The wine list is extensive and well thought out. Sunday lunch could encompass chef's freshly made soup, traditional roast pork with all the trimmings and Bailey's cheesecake - one of the added flavours that sets this charming restaurant apart from the pack.

For some time I made the mistake of thinking that no group of restaurants in the region of 200 locations could hope to maintain the quality for which I was looking.

Then one day I decided to put my prejudices to the test, walked into Oxford Ask! and discovered that I could not have been more mistaken. Their claim to serve freshly prepared quality food in stylish and comfortable surroundings with friendly and efficient service proved to be absolutely spot on.

Since then I have also discovered that a degree of consistency seems to operate throughout their restaurants, and that certainly does take some achieving, implying a degree of management that is enviable. They are perfect places for an impromptu snack, a bit of culinary grazing, or the full works, and families are catered for particularly well.

Their trendy décor usually comprises tiled floors and black furniture with well set tables that sparkle with glass, silver and spotless linen. Ten starters include crostini and bruschetta, followed by a range of salads, pasta and al forno, oven baked pasta, some with chicken.

The pizzas are stone baked in the oven, creating a crisp, authentic and delicious flavour, and they all come topped with mozzarella and tomato. Calzone introduce a touch of opulence with a folded pizza baked in the oven and topped with garlic butter and melted grana padano, whilst inside expect to find chicken or a vegetarian mix.

Amongst the specials may I warmly, in every sense, recommend the polpette al forno, a popular Milanese dish of beef meatballs sautéed in garlic with fire roasted peppers, caramelised onions, chilli and pomodoro sauce, with penne pasta, topped with cheese and oven baked.

An enticing selection of desserts list banoffee pie and tiramisu amongst them, and the coffee tastes like coffee, which may sound banal, but I guess you know what I mean.

Thanks to a well selected wine list speculative drinking can offer handsome dividends, even with prices rarely crossing the £20 barrier.