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The unusual name may just be an oddity, a whim, but a visit to Oddfellows in the Boat will confirm that their food is anything but whimsical. Hearty and filling, with a lot of attention towards healthy cooking, this Lichfield pub has gained considerable popularity in recent years. The simplistic décor with wooden furniture is deceptive, and although some people rate the ambience factor of a restaurant highly, it surely cannot exceed superior culinary expertise?

The chalkboard menu proclaims the daily specials as well as the regular menu although it changes every so often, but typically, dishes such as mosaic of seafood terrine wrapped in smoked salmon feature in the starters. For the main course, you might find honey and chestnut roasted duck breast with juniper sauce whilst you can end with a warm chocolate tart with mascarpone. The wine list is eclectic, travelling across Europe and the New World to bring you a good number of choices. Do note that they only accept reservations by phone.

A place like the Red Lion 'On The Green' probably has something special that keeps its steady stream of regulars coming back despite it off-the-beaten-track location, and yes, who would not like to spend a few hours away from the bustling city and unwind at the pub's extensive gardens. Then head to the restaurant to assuage those hunger pangs or you could also have an alfresco meal at the grounds.

But the food is the real reason to visit and with dishes such as venison casserole and monkfish you know sourcing and seasonality is taking seriously here. Amongst starters there is terrine of smoked chicken stuffed with pistachio nuts, and sliced smoked salmon and prawns followed by steak Diane flamed in brandy and finished with a Dijon mustard, mushroom and cream sauce. Other robust main courses include pan-fried fillet of pork and oven roasted duck breast set on a fresh ginger and plum sauce.

A fixture for curry lovers in Stoke-on-Trent, Shaffer's is a modern Indian restaurant with an assortment of Kashmiri, Punjabi, Thai and English cuisine on its eclectic menu. Favourites like lamb rogan josh and chicken bhuna sit side by side with house specialities, such as tawa dishes cooked on an iron plate using green peppers, onions, fresh green chillies and garlic.

The owner travelled to India to see for himself, how dishes are prepared. Their blend of cuisines is unlike most restaurants, but successfully pleases the palate. Comfortable contemporary décor keeps the mood unhurried and easygoing, and there's a family friendly menu for children.

Neros Restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes at great value prices, with a la carte, and daily changing menus available every evening. Sunday lunch is especially popular, with three courses and coffee for £8.95 per person.

Frankie and Benny's combine classic American and Italian in both style and cuisine. They specialise in home style cooking 'just like Mamma used to make it'. This is a great place to take the entire family and represents excellent value for money. The restaurant and bar is suitable for any occasion, whether it's a leisurely lunch, a family meal or a fantastic evening with friends - they make sure you have a wonderful time.

Walking into the restaurant is like stepping back into 1950s New York, from the clatter and chatter of the open kitchen to the bottle lined bar. Walls with black and white family photographs showing life in Brooklyn's 'Little Italy' surround cosy booth seating and tables. Combined with the classic music of the fifties, a mix of American swing and beat, they definitely provide a fun and friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Frankie and Benny's offers starters, main courses and delicious desserts, and favourites include char-grilled burgers, pizzas, pastas, steaks and house specialities such as chicken parmigiana, BBQ ribs, lamb shank and much more. The bar serves a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks.

Start with sticky wings, crispy coated chicken strips, tiger prawn skewer or Frankie's fried calamari and if you are dining in a group choose the giant sampler platter. The pastas, calzone and pizzas are all made freshly on order. An interesting dish on the menu is a the Boston 7 speciality pizza fully loaded with slices of pork meatballs, spicy pepperoni, ham, crispy bacon, chicken, peppers and red onion, served on a BBQ sauce base. They also serve a variety of sandwiches and burgers throughout the day.

A good value lunch menu is available on weekdays from 11am until 5pm offering a range of popular dishes from the main carte with one course at £5.95, two courses at £7.95 and three courses at £8.95.

For children up to the age of eleven, an all-inclusive menu features a selection of main courses, desserts and drinks starting at £3.95. As an added treat, they'll also receive an activity pack to entertain them whilst you eat.

Enjoy an American Italian meal at Frankie and Benny's with freshly prepared food and warm hospitality that makes you feel right at home.