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For years the Fox and Hounds Inn had been tucked away in a corner of the North Cotswolds, the secret guarded by locals and the few outsiders who had penetrated through the undergrowth. Now they offer a warm welcome to all, with log fires when needed, traditional ales and over 180 whiskies to hand.

Preferring to be known as a pub that serves good food, they work from a limited menu that deploys freshly prepared meals. The menu tracks the seasons, but whatever the day you will always find a steak, gammon, haddock or scampi. Starters may feature crisp whitebait with brown bread and butter, salad garnish and homemade tartar sauce while the main event takes in a grilled swordfish steak topped with black olive tapénade on a bed of rocket with parsley, new potatoes and vegetables of the season.

To finish with orange and almond cake, served with Greek yoghurt, caramelised oranges in orange syrup is no hardship whatsoever.

The White Bear dominates the market square, presenting a traditional old English appearance to passers by, of whom there are many.

The restaurant has recently been refurbished and now looks very smart, offering a menu that treads no daring paths but produces mainly comfort dishes, with which I have absolutely no quarrel, always provided they are cooked well.

Starters of pan-fried lamb's kidneys compete amongst the starters with char-grilled king prawns, and a very attractive chicken liver and sage pate with spicy onion chutney, served with side salad and toast.

Amongst the mains expect to find Gloucester Old Spot pork chop with an apple and cider sauce, char-grilled rib-eye steak with a peppercorn and brandy sauce, or smoked haddock and prawn pancakes in a cheesy sauce.

This is very much a local's pub with restaurant attached.

In the best possible sense it bears some resemblance to the sumptuously comfortable houses that Victorian magnates used to build for themselves, with an air of contented permanence. But this one has state of the art comfort built in as well, and with its position at the centre of its community possesses a certain air of bustle.

The dining room occupies a bow windowed room of distinction with olive and aubergine dominating the colour charts. In the best boutique style a blackboard menu rules listing dishes like roast butternut squash soup with crumbled bacon and parmesan shavings, warm lobster salad with sun blushed tomatoes and black olives. A main course of seared tuna steak on homemade tagliatelle could be followed by pain au chocolat bread and butter pudding with custard.

A lively wine list pays homage to the menu, and own label house wine is good value at £12.50, with plenty more up to £55.