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hand picked restaurants

Whilst the 42 Loch Fyne restaurants have a shared background there is a welcome degree of individuality encouraged throughout the group, which makes for customer interest. If you like wholesome, fresh and reliable seafood caught and reared under carefully controlled conditions, well presented in unfussy surroundings, and you enjoy being well looked after by pleasant staff, Loch Fyne is for you.

There is an increasing awareness of other food staples with an extended choice of meat dishes, but it is the original fare upon which their success was created that prevails. Loch Fyne kippers, a fine bouillabaisse, braden rost, kiln-roasted salmon fillet, and the toothsome oysters on ice, with a selection of accompaniments, all are to be found throughout the various restaurants, as well as Glen Fyne 21 day aged rib-eye steak and Scottish smoked venison. There is invariably a well-travelled wine list available which is sensible, both in content and prices.

Loch Fyne's greatest achievement has been to prove to a sceptical populace that chains or conglomerates can be made to work in the eating-out public's best interests.

There's something delightfully radiant about the Burlton Inn just outside Shrewsbury on the Ellesmere road; it's quaint and rustic but not entirely conventional and it is this departure from tradition that makes it such a wonderful experience. Don't be mistaken, the oak beams, exposed brick walls and fireplace all create a lovely, homey atmosphere and the restaurant offers a good selection of French and modern British fare. So it's really the ideal spot to visit for a delicious meal with friends and family, either for a simple meal or even a quiet celebration.

Crisp Asian style pork belly comes with spiced king prawns, laced with apricot and ginger puree and cucumber salad with rock sugar dressing for a starter. A main course of pot roast cornfed chicken with roast shallots and baby vegetables along with sautéed new potatoes, Madeira and brown butter sauce is remarkable and for dessert, there's a silken dark chocolate mousse with kahulah syrup, hazelnuts and orange salad. Beers and real ales prevail although there's a good selection of fine wines and champagnes as well at this Michelin listed inn.

Counted among Shrewsbury's finest dining destinations, Huxley's at Drapers Hall is located in one of the oldest buildings of the historic market town. Even after more than four centuries, the unique and historical hall still presents much the same appearance.

Guests are given an opportunity to dine in an interior furnished with seventeenth century furniture amidst exposed beams, a 1658 fireplace, traditional linen, silverware and paintings and sculptures. You could stop by for a meal created by Chef Nigel Huxley or simply enjoy a cocktail, chat with friends, or play a game of backgammon.

The menu offers a blend of traditional and contemporary creations that include gourmet dishes as well as lighter and simpler food. First courses of seared scallops are served with chilli sauce and crème fraîche with cucumber ribbons while mains of freshly roasted crispy duck comes to the table straight from the oven with orange, Cointreau and capsicum sauce and a risotto of fish and shellfish appears with parmesan shavings and lemon.

The wine list is made up of easy drinking wines as well as French, Italian and New World vintages.

The small village of Shawbury, not far from the town of Shrewsbury, is home to The Fox and Hounds, a welcoming refuge that serves the people of the village as their local pub and delights visitors with the relaxed and cosy atmosphere a traditional English pub affords.

Even though The Fox and Hounds has been on the site since 1966, it closed doors in 2002 but was brought back to life by new owners Nigel and Jeff as a straightforward yet stylish pub in April 2009. The bright and spacious interior, wooden furniture and open fires all make it an impressive place to visit.

Talking about the food, daily changing menus offer a choice of dishes that are created from local and free-range produce wherever possible, so expect to find starters such as grilled fillet of sea bass with garlic mayonnaise and a fennel and orange salad; braised shoulder of lamb with parsnip and potato dauphinoise, steamed vegetables and pan jus, and a delicious dessert of homemade bread and butter pudding.

A range of cask ales, beers and wines are served at all times.

Located in one of Shrewsbury's quiet little side streets and renowned for the value and quality of its carvery menu, The Coach and Horses is a real piece of old Shropshire. The panelling and what remains of the Victorian interior sets the scene, with hand-pulled, CAMRA approved ales and a proper wooden bar.

On typical evening menu expect to find amongst the starters a black pudding and mushroom tower with honey and mustard dressing, crevettes sautéed in chilli garlic and lime juice, or a bowl of remarkably good homemade soup, served with crusty bread.

Main courses yield a sirloin steak with a mushroom and Stilton sauce, a pan fried pork fillet with green peppercorns, cream and brandy, or Cajun spiced tuna steak with a sour cream and chive topping. All the main courses are served with new potatoes or fries, vegetables or salad.

A perfectly adequate wine list ensures that chef's efforts are suitably complimented.

The great carvery roast is a feature of Sunday, with all the attendant menu items and then some. There are deals to be had Monday-Wednesday, and on Thursdays a range of fish and seafood specials makes The Coach and Horses a popular spot to be. Value for money overall is extremely good.

With a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, friendly service and great choice of food and drink, Frank Café Bar is quite simply, a wonderful place to stop by for an evening of relaxed dining in Shrewsbury. This tapas and cocktail bar can be found on the west bank of the River Severn in Frankwell, next to the new Theatre Severn.

Enter the cosy bar area and you're sure to notice that it's the centre of all the action. Passionately created cocktails are served alongside spirits, wines and champagne. Music is an integral part of the Frank experience and the owners belief that it helps create the perfect environment for a great evening is obviously shared by their customers.

When it comes to the food, the café bar offers an exciting tapas and a more traditional pre-theatre menu. Feast on smoked salmon, Frank chilli beef strips with garlic, ginger and peppers, spicy chilli and lemon chicken wings, and crispy salt and pepper squid.

Original artwork created by locally based artists is exhibited in the bar and all works displayed are available for purchase.