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Built of local stone and set high in the Shropshire Hills, just outside Oswestry, The Pen-y-Dyffryn Hotel is the perfect rural retreat to head to when you wish to get away from the pressures of city living. The alluring hotel that was built as a rectory in 1845 still offers roaring log fires, cosy bedrooms that promise uninterrupted sleep, glorious views of rolling countryside, and of course, great food in the two AA rosette restaurant.

Head Chef David Morris makes use of local Shropshire produce, organic wherever possible, to create a wonderful range of dishes that change every single day of the year. You could find creations such as pan-fried king scallops with saffron risotto and a lobster sauce; rack of Welsh salt-marsh lamb wrapped in filo pastry with a chicken mousse and served with a thyme butter sauce, and a seriously tempting dark chocolate terrine with cointreau sauce.

The wine list offers an extensive choice of organic and New World wines.

Wenlock Edge, one of the most scenic spots in the beautiful county of Shropshire, is well served for refreshment by the Wenlock Edge Inn, where travellers, weary or otherwise, have long been wont to restore their spirits and assuage their appetites.

Dating from 1700 the place was formerly a quarryman's cottage. It is clear from the moment you walk through the door that that this is no ordinary inn. For a start it's haunted; yes, you've guessed, it's Jack, the quarryman. Secondly it is the home of the nationally notorious story-telling club "Tales from the Edge". Come along on the second Monday of every month and enjoy tall stories and Hobson's exclusive beer - a powerful combination.

Chef David Morgan knows a thing or two when it comes to meeting a person's appetite. Try the Bantry Bay mussels, gently poached in white wine and garlic, served with French bread. The steak and ale pie is well packed with strips of lean beef that have enjoyed the benefit of slow cooking in some of Mr Hobson's ale.

Understated quality is at every hand, from such things as the old-fashioned lemonade and the crisps to the service and wine list. There is no music, no fruit machines and the mineral water comes from the bottom of their well, 190 feet below the pub.

For many years The Foresters Arms has been a steady English pub in an estate village when suddenly pow!! out of nearby Ironbridge came The King and Thai looking for a new location, and the rest is relatively recent history. It is proof of the regard in which they were held that customers from their old location have followed them up the hill to Broseley.

Much of their success is due to the quality of their ingredients, with a good number coming direct from Thailand, including the stunningly beautiful orchids on the tables as well as chillies, lemongrass and secret herbs and spices. The meats come from Shropshire, all carefully selected and accredited. Eggs are barn fresh and the vegetables are purchased locally. The nearby Birmingham Fish Markets supply the fish and seafood. In good Thai fashion the décor is restful and undemanding, no ornate busy stuff just a restful, candlelit interior that sets the scene for some serious palate pleasing.

Sebastians is the name of a warm and welcoming 16th century hotel and two AA rosette restaurant in the Shropshire town of Oswestry. The surroundings are intimate and comfortable, and Chef and owner Mark Sebastian Fisher and his wife Michelle ensure your needs are taken care of extremely well.

Six bedrooms are all ensuite, equipped with modern facilities, and each is individually furnished but mostly with exposed beams and brass four poster beds. The oak panelled dining room is cosy and relaxing without being twee. Dishes are created and presented with loving care, succeeding in achieving a genuine French feel, and the service is caring but not overwhelming.

Highlights could include pan-fried scallops with roast beetroot, crispy Parma ham and a beetroot emulsion; loin of rabbit stuffed with a chicken and carrot mousse and served with an orange and chicory salad, and mains of fillet of beef with a parsnip fondant, Madeira sauce and parsnip crisps.

After a meal you could visit the lounge and sit by the log fire or in the summer, head to the terrace and soak up the sun.

The small and delightful historic town of Much Wenlock in Central Shropshire is home to The Gaskell Arms, a seventeenth century coaching inn that offers most things that are required to help guests relax and unwind in style, from a peaceful beer garden and self catering accommodation, to tasty food and facilities to celebrate or host conferences.

The interior has oak beams and log fires on one hand, and comfortable bedrooms with modern facilities on the other. And once it's time to attend to your appetite head to the elegant restaurant where home-cooked British food is served at all times.

The à la carte opens with a vine tomato and mozzarella salad with red onion tapenade and herb oil before it offers a main course of chicken Cynthia with oranges, grapes and orange sauce or salmon Duglere in a creamy sauce with prawns, mussels and tomatoes.

Bar meals are served in the lounge bar and The Gaskell Arms is open for drinks throughout the day.

All too often ethnic restaurants which pop up in unexpected places tend to be ignored, by reviewers in particular. I think they deserve every encouragement, since they have either perceived or intend to create, a demand. After all we are given to understand that there are now more Indian restaurants in London than there are in India itself. Such a one is Spice Empire, an Indian which certainly goes the extra mile and is well regarded by more adventurous souls in South Shropshire. It is all very traditional (Indian) and the value for money is excellent. Long may their dal delight.