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The Gate is one of those pubs that have surfaced on the mainstream of casual eating in the UK and are taking an increasing share of the market, evidenced by their growth in numbers and the popularity of what they have to offer. If this results in a 'type' there is certainly no harm in that.

Contemporary pubs such as these usually share a number of characteristics. An important feature is space, preferably a restaurant where you are comfortable, not over-awed, and not sharing elbow space with the next table, however sociable they may be. Good, too, to have a garden, in this case an enclosed one at the rear providing an al fresco eating out space for up to eighty, and by no means least a roomy and well stocked bar where you can actually get served without undue delay. After all, drinking should be taken seriously.

If a pub offers all of these, and is in a good location, there is little reason in today's economic climate why it should not flourish. The Gate provides ample evidence that this is true.

But of course there are other factors, not least of which is the food and drink. The term 'gastropub' covers a multitude of blessings and it is possible to see influences of brasserie, bistro, restaurant and even café at work within the great gastro umbrella. So expect to find no one single cuisine, but a blend designed to provide something for everybody, no matter what their treat may be.

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, antipasti of Italian meats, dolcelatte, marinated vegetables and warm stone-baked flat breads, or Mediterranean mezze of hummus, roasted vegetables, fregola, tzatziki, feta, spinach and ricotta pâté with flatbreads.

Amongst the starters, there is always freshly made soup of the day, smoked salmon, pomegranate molasses, fennel and micro herb salad, and gambas with rocket, garlic aioli and rustic bread are also to be found. Look, too, for scallops of the day. The salads offer chargrilled chicken, courgette, fennel, apple, asparagus, hazelnut and balsamic dressing, and for the seafood enthusiasts some prawn and avocado with mango, pecans, bacon, orange and pomegranate vinaigrette are well received.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; look for a classic margherita of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pomodoro and basil, the rustica with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, goats' cheese and cherry tomatoes or a piccante with pepperoni, chorizo, tomato and jalapeños.

For the big event there is always roast rump of lamb with sauce soubise, asparagus, pancetta, button onions and baby potatoes. Blackened cod fillet, egg noodles, pak choi, mango and chilli salsa are worth trying too. The classic burger, which has risen from the confines of fast food chains, carves a niche for itself on the menu and comes with gherkin, mustard mayo, onion, cheese, bacon, relish and frites. For hearty eaters there are rib-eye and fillet steaks; battered haddock, frites, tartare sauce and minted mushy peas, and spit chicken with lemon, garlic, thyme and frites.
 
A wide range of supporting dishes includes tomato and red onions, and cabbage, leeks and peas. Desserts are some of the best you'll encounter with apple, blackcurrant crumble and vanilla custard and sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, and there is also a selection of cheeses to set the buffs alight.

The Gate stocks a wide range of beers, both well-loved draught ales and bottled from further afield. The wine list covers plenty of territory from traditional clarets to Pinot Grigio, and champagne by the glass or bottle is always available. Service is cheerful, brisk and totally in keeping with the friendly nature of a good English gastropub.

Their excellent Website will give you further details about menu changes and events. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.

What can be better than to relax with fine food, drink and good company within view of flowing water? The Scotsbridge Mill is one such riverside pub and restaurant that offers fresh food and warm hospitality in that lovely part of Hertfordshire where three rivers meet.

Located in Croxley Green and only minutes away from the bustling Rickmansworth area, modern life seems miles away once inside this quaint haven. Amidst log fires and cosy corners, the vibrant dining area reverberates with the happy chatter of diners, both local and visitors. The simple menu offers a variety of homely dishes and the emphasis is strongly on fresh ingredients and quality service.

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, antipasti of Italian meats with dolcelatte, stuffed peppers, marinated vegetables and warm stone-baked flatbreads, or Mediterranean mezze of hummus, roasted vegetables, fregola, tzatziki, feta, spinach and ricotta pâté with warm flatbreads.

Amongst the appetisers is freshly made soup, lamb koftas, mint yoghurt, kohlrabi, cumin and carrot salad, or spiced crab with avocado, prawns, ginger and pink grapefruit. Look, too, for scallops of the day.

The salads - sorry, that should read 'leaves' - offer pang pang chicken with pak choi, satay, cashew nuts and cucumber, and for the seafood fiends some prawn, avocado, pecans, mango, bacon with orange and pomegranate vinaigrette is received with enthusiasm.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic margherita of pomodoro, mozzarella, oregano and basil, the rustica with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, goats' cheese and cherry tomatoes, or the piccante with pepperoni, chorizo, tomato and jalapeños.

The calves liver with tray baked potatoes, red onion, bacon and sage panagrattato is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating, as are the roast rump of lamb with sauce soubise, asparagus, pancetta, button onions and baby potatoes and the freshly battered haddock with tartare sauce, minted mushy peas and chips.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes Belgium frites and mayo, and cabbage, leeks and peas. For desserts choose between Eton mess or limoncello posset with langues de chat biscuits. There is also a selection of cheeses to set the buffs alight.

A well-travelled wine list and service that is cheerful and efficient completes the recipe for success. It offers a fine balance of Old and New World wines and for special occasions some great champagnes. They also have different beers on tap ranging from some great ales and continental lagers to European speciality beers, ensuring there is something for everyone. All of these topped with the warm hospitality of the staff and their attention to detail make an evening at The Scotsbridge Mill memorable.

For up to date information please refer to their Website. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.

Within walking distance from the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth, Thai George has remained a popular restaurant since it opened in 2001. Although the ownership changed hands in 2009, Thai George retains its warm, friendly and informal vibe that brings back diners for an authentic taste of the cuisine. A simple and modest interior - clean straight lines, white clothed tables and a well stocked bar - welcomes you.

Head chef, Suchila Bick, has designed a classic Thai menu that uses seasonal produce to good effect alongside traditional ingredients, such as lemon grass, coconut milk and rice powder. Stir fried chicken with chilli garlic and sweet basil has body and good flavours whilst fish cakes served with a zesty sauce may cause a battle of the forks among tablemates. Pad Thai prawn noodles are generally a safe bet yet the spices and flavours of the cuisine seem to go best with the plain, coconut or sticky rice.

The sense of quaintness about the Bedford Arms Hotel is fitting and very appealing in this Chiltern village and with its eighteen comfortably furnished bedrooms, two bars and an excellent restaurant, reasons to visit or stay there spring rapidly to mind. There are traditionally decorated rooms as well as more contemporary ones, and both are equally popular while their restaurant with its oak panelling and beams is one of a kind, serving delicious British cuisine.

Recently awarded an AA Rosette for their fine dining, the restaurant offers tantalising options such as sausages and black pudding for breakfast while the regular à la carte brings starters of black tiger prawn tempura with mouli and carrot salad. Main course could be a pan fried fillet of salmon with grilled sardines and provençal vegetables, ending with a fig tatin and lavender ice cream. The wine list features reds and whites, some from France and Italy, while others hail from more New World locations such as Chile and South Africa.