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With quality food, friendly staff, quick service and excellent value for money, Nando's is a great place to eat. Don't expect identikit, pre-fab restaurant interiors which are usually a staple of the larger chains; each restaurant is tailored to its local surroundings and customers, offering up a unique restaurant experience to go with the equally unique taste of legendary, Portuguese, Peri-Peri chicken.

Your peri-peri chicken, when the chips are down so to speak, is a fresh A grade chicken that has never seen the inside of a freezer, but having made the supreme sacrifice is butterfly-cut, marinated for 24 hours in a secret brew called - you've guessed - peri-peri, and is then cooked to your choice over an open flame.

There are, of course, many variations on this broad theme, numerous plays on words such as Nando's experi-perience, peri-peri good reasons why you should eat at a Nando's, and all one hopes is that for their sake chicken never goes out of fashion. New Nando's are opening all the time, peri-peri quickly in fact, the spicy bastes become hotter and more daring, and the full platter offers a whole chicken, large chips or spicy rice and Nando's salad or coleslaw.

Since chickens are vegetarian it seems logical you can order veggie or bean burgers and patties, and still feel the heat from the peppers. All in all, Nando's is hotly recommended for those occasions when you have a large following of permanently hungry children, or adults even, to keep happy - the only thing taken really seriously is the quality of those peri-peri good chickens.

Nando's is a place for bright people who love to laugh and love to eat, and is guaranteed to spice up your taste buds. Their fun approach to life means that when you visit Nando's you can fully relax without the airs and graces associated with more starchy dining out.

For the location of your nearest Nando's restaurant and a host of details about menus, parties and drinks, a click on their Website will reveal a Pandora's box of information.

Marriott Meon Valley Hotel has the benefit of a secluded location away from the bustling city and with 225 wooded acres in the rolling countryside; do take time off to pursue that much-delayed leisure activity that's been in your mind lately. At the Broadstreet Restaurant the crimson and beige colour schemes reflect an upscale yet casual style and the panoramic views of the grounds complete the picture.

From the menu expect a well-chosen medley of dishes such as duck and apricot pâté and three cheese soufflé to start, and seared calf's liver and wild boar sausages to follow. Fruits of the sea include smoked haddock and prawn pie and grilled organic salmon while a thyme, garlic and lemon rubbed spatchcock poussin and 10 oz sirloin arrive hot from the grill.

Golfers ought to be delighted. With two championship golf courses and a golf academy, tee off in style amidst lakes, oaks and magnificent woodland.

If the thought of a charming Victorian pub conjures images of wood panelling, oak beams and an old world feel, then think again as The Hurdles' interior speaks of opulent style and design without negating the charm factor. Even the location can't come better than this, a picturesque Meon valley setting in the village of Droxford.

On the menu classic bar staples are juxtaposed with modern British favourites, so expect to find battered fish of the day and chips alongside crispy duck leg with merguez sausages, apple and bean cassoulet and mash. Cod and prawn fishcakes are closely challenged by the likes of free range coq au vin with dauphinoise potatoes and red cabbage. Desserts are quite conventional with the sticky toffee pudding and Bailey's bread and butter pudding with white chocolate featuring prominently.

If gourmet evenings interest you then watch out for this monthly event and treat yourself to a delicious five courses with wine to complement.

The Wine Bar and Bistro is situated within the heart of Hampshire in the delightful small country town of Bishops Waltham. Tucked away in a converted port cellar beneath the bustling High Street, its charm is evident in its low ceiling and an appealing warm ambience that adds to the cosy feel.

Black pudding Scotch egg with homemade piccalilli, chicken liver parfait with orange chutney and brioche and hand-dived Shetland scallops with leek puree and chorizo beignets are likely to catch your attention to begin with. To follow grilled fillet of sea bass might sit next to crushed potatoes, fricassee of tomatoes, mushrooms and cucumber while other choices include rump of lamb, Gressingham duck breast and Laverstoke Park organic Black Angus steaks.

A wine list reflecting purely good drinking ethos, encompasses the ones sourced from small growers, producing limited quantities of the finest examples - organic or biodynamic.

For a complete Italian dining experience, a visit to La Fenice is highly recommended by locals in Bishop's Waltham, and visitors will be glad to hear of a place where the food is plentiful and taste is not compromised. Named after the famous Venetian opera house, this traditional family run restaurant creates a vibrant, friendly and relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy a good meal and a glass of wine and not feel the pinch in your pocket.

Choose from a selection of hot and cold starters and there could be deep fried squid with tartar dipping or avocado and prawns served with Marie rose sauce and granary bread. Further down, main courses bring sautéed veal scallops with mushrooms, cream and brandy served with spaghetti al pesto Genovese, although the stone baked pizzas and pastas are also popular. For dessert, there's tiramisu or chocolate mousse, both homemade or maybe some ice cream. The wine list is heavily inspired by Italy although some New World choices make their presence felt.

Banks Bar and Bistro is located within a Grade II listed building known as the Old Granary. A popular local haunt with white walls, exposed beams and bistro-style furniture, the emphasis is on a somewhat lounge approach to dining. The fact that the chefs are Michelin starred with over 25 years of experience under their belt could fuel up expectations which they seldom fail to satisfy.

Although the menu is modern British in essence, influences from across the world spruce things up a bit. Lunge for starters of tian of crayfish and avocado with a mango dressing and tartine of sautéed chicken livers. For the main course medallions of beef with tarragon and pepper are closely challenged by the likes of venison shank with red wine and mushroom.

Wine producers from Uruguay have done a commendable job of toning down the harsh flavour of Tannat grapes; try a glass of Preludio Juanico and you'll soon know.