Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

One of The Plough's claims to fame is that it was formerly run by Barbara Windsor, a lady who truly believed in the work ethic. She would probably hardly recognise it after the makeover - not that it's bad, plenty of modern traditional, if you get my drift, but definitely symbolising a change of direction.

By means that I know not The Plough has avoided the trap that ensnares all too many such resurrected failed boozers, keeping both its authenticity and succeeding brilliantly on the food which after all is what it's mainly about.

A three course meal here can be doubly enjoyed because its darned good, as well as being incredibly good value for money. Typically, expect to order something along the lines of cauliflower velouté with truffle oil, followed by roasted breast of Gressingham duck with pomme purée, savoy cabbage and bacon, and finishing with a dark chocolate terrine and orange sorbet that is positively orgasmic.

So, good vibes all round, the sort of thing that Ms Windsor would have been much chuffed about. Cheers!

For some time I made the mistake of thinking that no group of restaurants in the region of 200 locations could hope to maintain the quality for which I was looking.

Then one day I decided to put my prejudices to the test, walked into Oxford Ask! and discovered that I could not have been more mistaken. Their claim to serve freshly prepared quality food in stylish and comfortable surroundings with friendly and efficient service proved to be absolutely spot on.

Since then I have also discovered that a degree of consistency seems to operate throughout their restaurants, and that certainly does take some achieving, implying a degree of management that is enviable. They are perfect places for an impromptu snack, a bit of culinary grazing, or the full works, and families are catered for particularly well.

Their trendy décor usually comprises tiled floors and black furniture with well set tables that sparkle with glass, silver and spotless linen. Ten starters include crostini and bruschetta, followed by a range of salads, pasta and al forno, oven baked pasta, some with chicken.

The pizzas are stone baked in the oven, creating a crisp, authentic and delicious flavour, and they all come topped with mozzarella and tomato. Calzone introduce a touch of opulence with a folded pizza baked in the oven and topped with garlic butter and melted grana padano, whilst inside expect to find chicken or a vegetarian mix.

Amongst the specials may I warmly, in every sense, recommend the polpette al forno, a popular Milanese dish of beef meatballs sautéed in garlic with fire roasted peppers, caramelised onions, chilli and pomodoro sauce, with penne pasta, topped with cheese and oven baked.

An enticing selection of desserts list banoffee pie and tiramisu amongst them, and the coffee tastes like coffee, which may sound banal, but I guess you know what I mean.

Thanks to a well selected wine list speculative drinking can offer handsome dividends, even with prices rarely crossing the £20 barrier.

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.

Modern contemporary restaurant set within a 16th century building in Medieval country town. Stylish interior featuring fabric wall hangings, muted shades and Italian leather. Modern French cuisine with gutsy undertones - menu features signature dishes of confit of duck, perfectly pan fried scallops, hand made ravioli and hazelnut praline parfait. Attentive professional service and an astute wine list.

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.

Situated on the edge of Cholesbury Common, with a windmill as the backdrop, The Full Moon is a picturesque pub and restaurant located in a 17th century building which has retained its charm and character even to this day. Surrounded by a beautiful garden and patio area, the restaurant provides its patrons with an English menu that can either be had in the spacious dining area with wooden interiors and subdued lighting, or even al fresco, overlooking the vast countryside.

Starting with dishes of smoked haddock and leek fishcake served with mixed leaf and lemon mayonnaise and soups served with bread, guests can move onto mains of char-grilled sirloin steak served with chips and mixed leaf salad; traditional home cooked honey roasted ham served with fried eggs, chips and salad; duck leg confit is served with roasted vegetables, new potatoes and fresh cranberry jus.

Desserts consist of chocolate brownies with ice cream and lemon tarts with fresh creams, and the restaurant also serves a wide range of fine ales and a comprehensive list of fine wines.