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This attractive restaurant situated in the heart of Old Amersham is a marvellous dining destination where history and beauty come together with ease. This 17th century grammar school now houses Gilbey's and the building has character, elegance and grace while the delightful garden lends a much admired space for al fresco dining. There's also a private dining room where you can entertain up to twelve people.

There are quite a few wonderful dishes emerging from the kitchen and both the execution and presentation are indeed remarkable. The à la carte features starters such as ham hock and split pea ballotine with apple and star anise compote and toast; citrus-confit organic salmon with fennel and orange salad and horseradish crème fraîche, or seared scallops with cauliflower puree and curried raisin vinaigrette.

Further down the menu, main courses lead on to delights such as tenderloin of pork with braised white beans and baby gems, confit garlic and mustard sauce; fillet of Cornish hake with pea puree, crushed new potatoes and crab bisque, or roasted loin and breast of lamb with wilted nettles, Jerusalem puree and dauphinoise. Don't miss the puddings where warm chocolate brownie with white chocolate mousse and raspberry sorbet vie for your attention alongside a Gilbey's lemon tart with pistachio ice cream, although the selection of British cheeses provides a tempting diversion.

A very reasonably priced two course set menu is available Monday through Saturday for lunch and could feature soup of the day with crusty bread followed by red wine-braised oxtail 'open' lasagne with spinach, sautéed baby onions and mushrooms. On Sundays a traditional roast is always included, although be prepared for the size of the Yorkshire puddings!

Wine is a passion with the Gilbeys, made evident by the wine list which has been compiled by Tom Gilbey - Bill and Caroline's son, who runs a very successful and energetic wine importing company called The Vintner. Their full list changes regularly and hence they are able to introduce lots of new wines from throughout the world, not forgetting the established French classics.

Finally, a word about the front of house team. Headed by Pippa, they are about the best in the business and the Gilbey's know how lucky they are to have them all. Pay them a visit and you will understand why.

Consult their easy to use Website for up to date menus and other information on what's going on at this highly attractive place of good cheer.

Housed in an attractive bay windowed period building, nestled among the shops bars and boutiques on Old Amersham Broadway, Caffe Uno Amersham offers an extensive selection of Mediterranean dishes in the heart of this charming market town. Its bright and airy interiors make it the perfect place to relax after a round of sightseeing or shopping. Local attractions such as the Amersham Museum, and Shardloes Mansion with its ornamental lake are within easy reach of the restaurant.
 
Easily accessible from High Wycombe and well connected to other commuter towns close by such as Rickmansworth, Beaconsfield and Chesham, Caffe Uno's modern décor with wood floor and comfortable booth seating and chairs makes it an ideal place to stop by for a hearty breakfast, quick lunch or leisurely dinner.
 
The a la carte menu offers starters of buffalo mozzarella salad with tomato, fresh rocket and extra virgin olive oil, chicken and chorizo spring rolls served with a spicy tomato dip or calamari dusted with seasoned flour and served with garlic mayonnaise.

For the main course, seafood lovers will relish such dishes as fillet of sea bass with green beans, capers and new potatoes in a white wine and butter sauce; tiger prawn risotto with baby spinach in a saffron sauce, or delicious paella with mussels and prawns alongside chicken breast and authentic chorizo sausage. Committed carnivores will be more than satisfied with a succulent rib eye steak with béarnaise or green peppercorn sauce; classic burger with 100% prime beef burger, ementhal cheese and garlic mayo in a sesame seed sour dough bun with your choice of side order or the char grilled chicken and field mushrooms with baby spinach in a Marsala wine. Vegetarians are also well-catered for with dishes such as broad bean risotto or aubergine parmigiana.

To round off select from a classic tiramisu, pannatone pannacotta with chunks of fruity pannetone, blood orange tart with cream or mini desserts of hazelnut marsala semi fredo, coffee cream latte semi fredo or Belgian milk chocolate semi fredo, served with your choice of coffee.

Caffe Uno is open every day from 9am; hungry diners can start the day with a hearty breakfast that could include eggs any style, streaky bacon, Cumberland sausage, mushrooms, tomato and toast; bacon or Cumberland sausage baguette, eggs Benedict, plain or chocolate croissant, muesli with yoghurt or honey and toast with jam along with coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Separate lunch and children's menus are also available.

If you would like to take away something after your meal, Caffe Uno offers a number of its own products, many of which are used in the dishes served in the restaurant. These include extra virgin olive oil, char grilled Italian peppers, Italian rocket and almond pesto, Sicilian nocellara olives, almond amaretti biscuits and Cuneesi chocolates.

To gain further information, just visit their extremely comprehensive Website.

Prezzo has been delighting diners for over eight years, and this Italian restaurant chain has since been able to expand throughout large parts of England and Scotland with some 141 outlets.

Interestingly, the company seeks to restore either impressive buildings or ones of local interest. The conversion of the Newbury library and other listed buildings, such as those in Salisbury, Romsey and Mayfair, are all welcome examples of 'new use'. Their trendy and sophisticated décor usually consists of tiled or wooden floors with delicate lights and colourful paintings, along with wooden furniture and sparkling cutlery, creating a setting that is suitable for a relaxed lunch, a family meal or an evening out with friends.

The restaurants are of particular appeal to those who like genuine Italian cuisine, and they use only the best seasonal products, many of which are imported directly from Italy. The menu includes pizza, pasta, risotto, grilled meats, fresh salads and frequently changing specials.

The freshly baked breads, like the garlic bread with mozzarella cheese, are perfect for sharing and give you adequate breathing space to order starters to follow. Crab cakes served with garlic mayonnaise or grilled goat's cheese with plum tomatoes and caramelised onions on foccacia bread with a balsamic glaze set the tone for a hearty meal. Best fun is to order an antipasto platter to share made up from seven well loved Italian nibbles.

Find pastas such as the unusual penne con salmone, with oak-roasted salmon, broccoli and fresh chillies in a red pesto and cream sauce, or firm favourites like spaghetti with meatballs, spaghetti Bolognese, and fusilli al pesto, asparagus spears with field mushrooms and roasted peppers in a basil pesto sauce.

Amongst the special pastas, the pollo mariano, seasoned chicken, pepperoni sausage, roasted peppers and fusilli in tomato sauce, is interesting and different. Italian menus would be incomplete without risotto, like tiger prawns with petits pois in a creamy saffron sauce.

Classic pizzas embrace, among a wide selection, the popular napoletana, topped with yellowfin tuna, tomato, white anchovies, capers, red onion, mozzarella and marinated olives, and the much loved quattro stagioni - pepperoni sausage, prosciutto ham, artichoke, field mushrooms, capers, marinated olives, mozzarella and tomato.

Specials could include the pollo Siciliana, char-grilled chicken breast, prosciutto ham and plum tomato slices, baked with their blend of cheese, only one example from the many tempting offerings that come out from the Prezzo kitchens.

You can accompany the food with a variety of tipples, though for many, Italian food requires Italian wines to be enjoyed to the full, ranging from house wine through Morellino di Scansano and Prosecco to liqueurs and beer, and there is espresso or fresh ground coffee to wind up an enjoyable meal, in company with a glass of grappa or sambuca.

This is Italian food at its attractive best, convincing and bringing together the traditional with the modern twist or two against a background of excellent value.

Prezzo is a lively group and opportunities to improve and update are never left on the table for long. Keep up to date with a quick click on their Website.

The Swan at Ley Hill is a fine example of a traditional English pub. Its existence hinges very much round some of the best traditional ales in Britain, genuine well prepared food, cricket and space. Dating from the sixteenth century it has a massive inglenook, a snug, restaurant and lounge bar, and unlimited parking.

A meal from the à la carte could start with Portobello mushroom stuffed with spinach and goats cheese, coated in herb spiced breadcrumbs topped with smoked bacon, poached egg and minted hollandaise, followed by a 21 day aged buck's (Scotsgrove, Thame) sirloin steak served with triple cooked chunky chips and a medley of wild mushrooms and shallots flamed in brandy finished with pink peppercorn, brandy and wholegrain mustard butter. For dessert perhaps an apple and pear crumble with a hazelnut and cinnamon topping served with either, custard, cream or ice cream could provide the crowning glory.

Going by the number of Thai restaurants popping up, it's evident that food from exotic Thailand is becoming very popular. Thai Fusion opened recently and has gained a fair level of popularity already, as the dishes there are authentic and made to order. The level of spiciness can be varied to suit the palates of customers if they are uncomfortable with the pungent overtones.

A tapas bar adds interest if you're in the mood for a snack or quick meal. The set menu offers starters of deep-fried fish cakes and lemongrass spear, while stir-fried chicken with roasted sweet chilli and fresh pineapple makes a fine choice for mains. You could pick from a selection of exotic flavoured ice creams, sorbets or settle for baked golden bean cake topped with sweet dark chocolate for dessert.

The Thai Cookery School offers a fun day for up to six people to learn three dishes during the morning, and then enjoy their creations with a glass of wine.

A Jazz night on the first Thursday of each month is popular amongst diners.

The Sugar Loaf Inn in Little Chalfont is situated within The Chilterns, a most beautiful part of England. Guests can enjoy a fine drinking and dining experience amongst contemporary décor and modern, comfortable furnishings that complement many of the original features.

Their food philosophy is simple; relying on quality, fresh ingredients with uncomplicated presentation and value for money. The a la carte menu features a choice range of classic European dishes served with a modern twist. Daily specials are offered on blackboards and items such as lobster, oysters and game are available when in season. Local produce is used throughout the menu and a roast is available all day on Sunday.

Service is relaxed and informal but with a commitment to taking care of the details. There is an eat anywhere policy. There is also a large garden to the rear which sees plenty of al fresco dining during the warmer summer months.

The full bar includes a selection of draught and bottled lagers and three real ales, a selection of fine malt whiskies and brandies, a large selection of other spirits and over forty wines and champagnes, many by the glass.