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This newly opened (2007) restaurant in Holborn is capturing the young city slickers in great numbers, as well as a fair smattering of visitors to London, who find the atmosphere relaxed, perhaps assisted by free finger food (stuzichini) with their drinks between 5 and 7pm every day, and free wireless internet whenever you need it.

In addition to the vast range of antipasti which tend to stand in for tapas, there is the customary generous interpretation of pasta and pizza dishes. Those looking for something extra special should resort to the board where starters of a warm bacon and prawn salad served with croutons and Italian dressing, or fresh pasta served with pesto sauce ensure a good foundation for what is to follow.

This could take the form of a grilled sirloin steak served with celery and Stilton sauce, a grilled swordfish steak served on a bed of garlic, spinach with melted mozzarella cheese and white wine sauce, or a very gutsy risotto served with fresh mussels, clams, squids, prawns, chives, garlic, white wine and olive oil.

The British love affair with fish is not infrequently remarked upon, and one portion of the menu offers grilled sea bream, pan fried fillet of sole or grilled salmon supreme as main course dishes, all suitably dressed and accompanied.

They also have a catering service which will be delighted to assist with your corporate events and weddings. Given the universal leaning towards Italian food in Britain I would have thought that was a very sensible investment of resources.

With elegantly designed bedrooms, PGA Championship golf course, fragrant walled gardens and 200 acres of Hertfordshire parkland, the Hanbury Manor Hotel is guaranteed to keep its guests enchanted. At the 2 AA Rosette Zodiac restaurant, decorated with chandeliers and ornate paintings, experience fine dining in what was once the summer dining room of the Hanbury family home.

The international menu could feature starters of Parma ham with cantaloupe melon and flaked parmesan and velouté of garlic and onion with wild mushrooms. Feast on some hearty main courses of roast guinea fowl with pancetta and pomme fondant herb jus or pan-fried sea bream with vegetable risotto and lemon sauce. For dessert a trio of chocolate mousses with blood orange sorbet is a fantastic riot of colours.

Unwind in the richly panelled library with an open fireplace, at the Romanesque indoor pool or pamper yourself from a choice of over 100 luxury spa treatments.

A listing in the Michelin, Good Food Guide and AA Good Food Guide is not a mean feat and at Fox and Hounds it's a complete family affair with James wielding the ladle in the kitchen and his wife Bianca ensuring that guests are looked after well front of house. The dining area with its antique furniture brings in a slightly formal atmosphere while the bar is more relaxed and welcoming.

The menu is printed daily and blends in English, French and rustic Italian influences; so you could start with a sauté of scallops and Thai spiced green papaya salad and rabbit rillettes with pickle and toast. This could be followed by Black Angus côte de boeuf with a serving of fat chips and Béarnaise sauce or slow roast belly of organic Old Spot pork and braised Savoy cabbage.

At the bar expect more than just Adnams' beer, there's a selection from the Meantime Brewery in Greenwich and a weekly local guest ale.