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Orchid coloured walls might seem somewhat unusual for a restaurant, but it does add some atmosphere to the entire scene and at Four Restaurant and Bar there's plenty of it, along with a selection of delicious pizzas, pastas and other Italian fare. Courteous and polite, the staff members provide a warm welcome and help you settle down for a meal in the relaxed ambience. Contrasting cream walls, dark woods and a delightful, shaded al fresco dining centre makes this the ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or quiet dinner.

Starters might include a generous fritto misto, deep fried squid, scampi, king prawns, white bait, octopus with balsamic mayonnaise and tartar sauce and progress towards a roasted duck breast with a salsa of red peppercorn, coffee and cinnamon with roasted red cabbage. Pizza and pasta options there are akin to comfort food although the desserts of tiramisu and cheesecake are also good contenders for the same label. The wine list has several European choices although New World producers also have a notable presence.

The Inn at Woburn made a humble beginning as an 18th century coaching inn situated in the heart of the Georgian village of Woburn. Today, it functions as a charming hotel and a base for visits to Woburn Abbey, Safari Park and the golf club.

The décor reflects its character and the facilities meet the expectations of modern day visitors. Olivier's for example, is the inviting two AA Rosette restaurant that focuses on imaginative, contemporary English and continental dishes, open for brunch and snacks, lunch, afternoon tea and enjoyable dinners.

Dishes such as smoked eel with horseradish cream, potted confit of duck leg, loin of cod wrapped in Brickhill ham, gourmet offerings of crab and scallop twice baked soufflé, and lemongrass infused red peach consommé make the menu special. Assorted finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, glazed lemon tart and marmalade cake is served in the afternoon throughout the summer.

The inn provides a wonderful setting for conferences, weddings and civil ceremonies for up to 65 guests.

A modern Bistro style restaurant located in a 13th century manor house, with a first class view over the river Great Ouse. Serving international cuisine of the highest quality at reasonable prices, the menu has a choice for everyone, with a selection to suit all tastes.

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.

It is such a pleasure to visit a centuries old English country pub and spend a couple of satisfying hours over real ale and delicious homemade fare. You could do exactly that and much more at the quintessential Old Swan in Cheddington, Bedfordshire.

Close to Leighton Buzzard yet bordering Bucks, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, the pub has a lovely garden where, in good weather, you can enjoy al fresco meals. The cosy bar and restaurant have beamed walls, wooden furniture and floors, and an ever present old world charm.

The bar offers traditional bar meals and you could choose between Texas chilli beef, beer battered cod, homemade lasagne and oven-roasted duck breast and bacon. The restaurant focuses on starters such as cheese nachos, poached smoked haddock and a classic prawn cocktail. Mains take in Pembrokeshire lamb hot pot; steak, mushroom and ale pie, and French style tomato tarts with caramelised vegetables. Desserts change daily and are listed on the blackboard.

Customers cannot help but feel happy and at ease in The Plough, for it reminds people of days gone by - the building traces its roots back to Tudor times - low beams, an intriguing layout and open fires create an intimate atmosphere.

The kitchen is open to view, a feature which draws you forward into the heart of the building. The sights and sounds of chefs at work are irresistible for some, and this combined with the aroma of fresh food is very appealing indeed!

The menu delivers exciting English food with strong Italian and French influences. Expect to find char-grilled squid with rocket, followed by roast best end of Cornish lamb with summer salad, and baked leek tart with red onion marmalade and roast golden beets. Finish with an excellent selection of British and Irish cheeses. The pub has three hand pumps, wines and beers that reflect the seasons.
"The true joy of The Plough at Bolnhurst is the perfect trinity of atmosphere, service and sumptuous food." - Martin and Jayne Lee, owners of The Plough at Bolnhurst.