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It is places like this that give country pubs a good name. Well run, close to a good country town yet in a rural setting it is a quality example of how things should be done and is therefore little wonder that it is a buzzy place, full of appreciative people, both customers and staff.

A woodland garden and heated decking terrace leave plenty of room to overflow on warm days and a play area for children and a newly constructed 9 hole crazy golf course keep everyone happy.

The serving of decent food is clearly a priority and starters on the a la carte menu could include home smoked duck breast salad with a tangy raspberry dressing, pan fried salmon and red pepper fishcake with lime and crab dressing, or homemade chicken liver and foie gras pate.

Main courses follow a largely traditional pattern with roast rump of lamb, poached natural smoked haddock on a bed of buttered mash topped with a poached egg, or fillet of pork oven baked in puff pastry with a fresh garden herb and mushroom pate.

Amongst the puddings expect to find dark chocolate tart with Belgian white chocolate ice cream, meringue Pavlova topped with fresh strawberries and clotted cream, or lemon curd cheesecake with fresh strawberries and cream.

For two years out of three they have won the Wadworth Wine Pub of the Year which probably leaves as irrelevant any comment on the wine list.

Located in the deep heart of the West Berkshire countryside, The Bunk Inn is a well run family country inn with rooms, full of warmth and comfort, yet it's only a few minutes away from the M4 and A34. Whilst you toy with the menus, wine lists and appetisers like butterfly prawns or vegetable spring rolls demand your attention. The well tuned starter selection could bring peppered tuna with wasabi mayonnaise and Asian slaw or smoked duck and chicory salad.

For those of a vegetarian inclination, a source of excitement awaits with the main course of wild mushroom, courgette and goats' cheese tartlet while many fish lovers may be drawn to the baked salmon fillet in a filo parcel with green beans and hollandaise sauce.

Desserts present some tempting options such as blackberry cheesecake with fruit coulis and the classic vanilla crème brûlée. The Bunk has around 10 sound wines by the glass, well supported by an interesting and thoughtful list.

The elements of warm hospitality, good food and an informal friendly ambience combine to give guests a whale of a time at The Stag in Leckhampstead. After a long walk in the countryside what else could satisfy the appetite but traditional pub grub menu with homemade specials. In summer the pleasant beer garden delights customers.

Guests can enjoy the best of local produce including fresh trout, free range eggs, beef, pork and game such as venison, pigeon and pheasant. The kitchen displays its wares with ratatouille pancake with béchamel sauce, smoked chicken salad with mango salsa, venison and redcurrant sausages with butternut squash mash and homemade game pie. Desserts of hot chocolate fudge brownie and vanilla ice cream and raspberry and white chocolate cheese cake round off the comfort fare nicely. Daily specials and children's menus offer more choice and convenience. With your favourite brand of beer or a glass of wine in hand there's nothing left to say but bon appetit.

Well placed for events in and around Newbury, this pleasant hostelry is an excellent example of a welcoming inn that offers good honest fare amidst a jolly and unstuffy atmosphere, the sort of place you can bring the children with you and not have to worry they'll be bored or disappointed.

The attractive menu changes daily and could start with a prawn cocktail, tricolour pasta with prawns and cucumber or smoked salmon. Main events offer such dishes as fillet of beef stroganoff with a timbale of rice, poached fillet of salmon on a bed of spinach with fresh chive sauce, or excellent steaks with a standard 8oz version of prime beef, Diane, garni or peppered.

Down amongst the puddings look for treacle tart and custard, a chocolate tipsy flan and cream, or a banana split. The wine list rarely goes over the £20 parapet, but when it does it is for good reason, and in general the list is excellent value, well chosen and nicely annotated for the beginner.

The Winterbourne Arms is an idyllic country pub, housed in a building that dates back over 300 years.  Although recently refurbished, it retains much of its old-world charm and features a large dining area, simple wooden furniture, warm fireplaces and a bright and airy ambience. Located just a few minutes from Chieveley Services, on Arlington Lane, the restaurant serves both traditional and modern British style food with a contemporary twist. The menu varies constantly with all the dishes being prepared in-house, using fresh produce sourced locally.

Head chef Andrew Jones serves guests an extensive menu comprising starters of duckling liver and cognac terrine served with toasted bread; deep fried butterfly prawns with a sweet chilli sauce and salad garnish; and homemade soups with bread. This is followed by mains of classic char-grilled Scottish sirloin steak with vegetables; and pan fried calves liver served with bacon and vegetables. The food can be enjoyed either in the spacious dining area or al fresco overlooking the beautiful gardens.

The menu also has many delectable desserts and an extensive list of wines and other beverages that can be enjoyed with the meal.

Blubeckers has an impressive chain of more than twenty restaurants spread across the South East and although the unifying factor in each is the superb food and drink they offer, each restaurant is distinct and stands out on its own, rather than a mindless factory assembly product. Consider for example the gorgeous buildings that they choose, every single one of them attractive, full of character and charm, creating a relaxing and casual atmosphere for drinkers and diners.

Tempting options for lunch include sandwiches served on thick white or malted brown bloomer, whereas light bites such as macaroni and cheese or handmade scotch egg are equally popular. The main menu brings you starters such as pork and apricot terrine followed by grilled lamb steak in mint and redcurrant sauce, served with rosemary roasted new potatoes. End with a plum tarte tatin and enjoy the wide range of wines, champagnes, beers and ales from their excellent bar.