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Turmeric Gold at Meriden is situated in an imposing Georgian listed building which has been refurbished in traditional Turmeric Gold style with vibrant colours of gold and red, drapes and curtains, giving an eccentric vibrant ambiance of intimacy with a touch of opulence. The Turmeric Gold brand is already established elsewhere in that part of the world, offering interesting Indian food with a modern twist more fitting to a healthy lifestyle.

According to a Chinese proverb, food comes first amongst all things, and this is precisely what China Express believes in. While the kitchen pulls off the food side with aplomb, the décor is not ignored and customers are assured of dining in stylish and modern surroundings.

So generous bowlfuls of persimmon or seaweed egg flower or West Lake minced beef soup is a good way to start. Most of the dishes are broadly classified as hot and cold, and lotus leaves and ribs, steamed chicken with mushrooms and fried lamb with cumin make up the former section. Navigate the seafood options and discover braised crab in ginger and onion and fried shrimps in a hot and spicy sauce, and then finally desserts that give you an opportunity to linger with candied floss strawberry and sweet corn or crisp green melon pancake.

China Express presents a brand new concept in buffet dining where all dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, and are cooked to order.

Coombe Abbey is no ordinary hotel. This magnificent former 12th century Cistercian Abbey in 500 acres of lush parkland has been lovingly restored to create a glorious setting and dining in their remarkable Garden Restaurant could be one of the highlights of your visit. The main dining room is a study in elegance, with quiet lighting and rich fabrics creating a lovely effect, but the conservatory is equally delightful, with views of the gardens and the pretty wrought iron chairs that promise a summery experience.

From the classic British menu, expect to choose dishes such as sautéed scallops with crushed broad beans, Serrano ham, mint pesto and sherry vinegar reduction amongst the starters. Following this could be the loin of veal noisette with new potato terrine, sautéed Scottish girolles and a Madeira and marrow bone sauce. Finish with a delectable pineapple parfait with coconut rice pudding. The extensive wine list is an eclectic selection featuring choices from across the world.

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.

Pizza Express remains a hugely popular bedrock of casual eating. Its popularity is testimony to the fact that across the country, they have restaurants where you will always be guaranteed a good nosh, with children's tastes being well catered for.

Pizza Express has gone even more Roman, and following the success of that particular example of listening to their public have introduced Romana pizzas, including the scorching Etna and the hearty Siciliana.

These pizzas are now thinner, bigger and crispier, and if that sounds like a marketing line, it is. However, unlike many such lines, this one is true, and their quality is always consistent, though cleverly they have still managed to retain a homemade feel to their pizzas.

As an alternative to pizza, try their pollo pesto - cavatappi pasta with torn chicken breast, mushrooms, red onions and mozzarella in a creamy gruyere, parmesan and pesto sauce and finished with grana padano - or the niçoise salad with mixed leaves, yellowfin tuna, free range egg, green beans, potatoes and tomatoes with olives, anchovies, capers and house dressing.

Many of the big chains have come a long way, and Pizza Express is certainly amongst them. One of the first to be quoted on the Stock Exchange - in 1993 - Pizza Express is not a franchise operation and retains tight control through its own staff.

Their wine list - though short - contains some surprisingly good offerings, especially their intense Australian Chardonnay, and a big, full-bodied Merlot from Cusumano, Sicilia.

Remembering, as I do, The Manor from thirty years ago when it was about the only civilised watering hole for many miles around its location as the centre of England, I returned to it with some misgivings, noting immediately the greatly increased size. Well, I needn't have worried. What has been done is in good style and amazingly the quality of the food has, if anything improved. To begin with there are no great adventures going on in the kitchen and the dishes which emerge have a clarity and precision which combines classic disciplines with great skill. This is a place for those who are prepared to sacrifice pretension in the cause of guaranteed enjoyment. House wine £14.95 and a sound wine list.