Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

Whoever said traditional English pubs cannot serve authentic Thai cuisine has probably not visited The Cock and Dragon. The downstairs bar remains loyal to its British roots with a stuffed deer head, comfortable sofas and art deco inglenook fireplace, while the restaurant above is decorated in designer wallpaper and soft lighting.

There are five feast menus designed for sharing, enabling guests to benefit from the contrasting flavours on offer but those who'd like to see some recognisable English food could choose the sizzling weeping tiger of char-grilled sirloin steak flamed with rice wine. Thai staples of dim sum, steamed dumplings of minced pork and prawns, blended with garlic and water chestnuts feature amongst starters.

The Malaysian devil curry, with three chillies in the description indicating a high degree of spice, is one hot and sour chicken dish for those who'd dare to try. Later cool your taste buds with a double chocolate fudge cake.

Situated in one of the most idyllic positions in England, Sheene Mill is believed to be one of the most fashionable restaurants outside London and a top wedding venue in the UK, with facilities for up to 160 guests, and their own wedding licence. The design of their nine ensuite bedrooms is the right blend of comfort and character with original features and views of the hotel grounds.

On sunny days head to the garden to enjoy a delicious meal from the daily changing carte that could feature spicy duck pancakes with oriental plum dip, roast saddle of wild venison or mocha pannacotta with rum sauce. The bar represents a feeling of open space and leads out to the conservatory where the mill pond forms a perfect backdrop whilst you unwind with the family.

Sheene Mill is also an ideal base to explore the architectural wonder that is Cambridge or from which to visit the surrounding areas for that much-needed break, a celebration or a trip to the races.

As one of Cheshunt's premier luxury hotels, Marriot dominates this part of Halfhide Lane with its remarkable exterior. The clean, bright interior of Washington's restaurant, done in warm wooden tones, is a stylish place to relax and taste some delectable seafood and grills. On Sunday lunchtime listen to the tunes emanating from the harp as you sit back and savour your meal.

Starters of tiger prawn cocktail with tomato and herb mayonnaise, and deep fried goats' cheese with croutons and Parmesan could be followed by a main course of char-grilled chicken and langoustines, with saffron rice and crispy leeks. Pan fried salmon is served with basil mash, red wine sauce and mango tout. For desserts there's vanilla cheesecake with butterscotch bananas and sticky toffee pudding with toffee and pecan sauce.

After a day exploring historic attractions and the rural life of Hertfordshire, settle down in one of their newly refurbished guest rooms overlooking the courtyard.

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.