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Over 20 years ago the mention of Peking and Sichuan cuisine to the residents of Radlett may have evoked a lukewarm response, but it was then that Tim Lai's unflinching commitment to serve authentic Chinese cuisine was quite evident and that explains the longevity of Tim's Table.

Those who are already familiar with this kind of cooking will be happy to know that there is a remarkable variety in the menu with starters of griddle fried pork dumplings, bang bang chicken and sesame prawn toast. There is an occasional foray into Thailand with pandan leaf chicken and fried bean curd, but the rest of the menu is well within the Chinese shores. Think sizzling beef fillet in black pepper sauce and drunken fish slices in a Chinese rice wine sauce.

Who would not like a barbecued honey roasted pork or crispy aromatic duck to be enjoyed within the confines of your home? Their takeaway menu is definitely worth exploring.

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.

Pendley Manor, a Grade II listed country house hotel, sits prettily amidst 35 acres of immaculately manicured gardens and wooded parkland and is an idyllic setting for a corporate meeting or a romantic weekend. The Oak Restaurant's interior, refurbished in 2009, is designed to match the period facade with ornate drapery, mirrors and chandeliers glinting from above and original wooden floors underfoot.

French and British classics rule the menu so expect to find seasonal changing dishes, sourced locally wherever possible. Main courses cover all bases from grilled sirloin of Ashridge venison and herb crusted roast rack of lamb to baked fillet of salmon crushed new potatoes and saffron sauce, and baked vegetable gateaux. A dessert of fudge and raisin cheesecake on a pool of rum sauce is a delightful way to finish.

Outdoor gaming enthusiasts could indulge in a myriad of activities such as hot air ballooning, go-cart racing and archery.

Tucked away in a residential road in Hemel Hempstead, the Plough and Dragon skilfully combines the roles of an English pub and a Thai restaurant. Dark wood furnishings and ornate lighting are allied to authentic Thai artefacts and statuettes, neatly symbolising the pub?s fusion of two cultures.

The a la carte covers a lot of ground from sharing starter platters and sizzlers to delicious curries and wok dishes, while the elaborate banquet menu, for two to share, brings in some satisfying choices such as stir-fried pork fillet, Thai fishcakes and Indonesian style fried rice. Finish on a classical note with a mango and coconut cheesecake or banana fritters drizzled with honey. The bar menu offers classic British pub grub including sandwiches, gourmet burgers, fish and chips, as well as oriental dishes like chicken satay, Malaysian beef rendang curry and Singapore laksa, a spicy coconut vermicelli noodle soup with chicken, crispy tofu and tiger prawns.

Plough and Dragon's carefully chosen selection of wines complements any meal perfectly.

Sopwell House was once the Georgian country home of Lord Mountbatten and today, in its new role as a friendly country house hotel provides an excellent setting for a romantic wedding with those added special touches, a corporate event or a quiet vacation with the family. The airy interior with beautiful lighting fixtures and well spaced tables are some of the eye-catching features in the restaurant, and on the food side expect some serious British cooking.

Smoked Scottish salmon with horseradish crème fraîche, micro cress salad and lemon oil, and pressed terrine of smoked chicken and Gressingham duck might precede a main course of roasted rack of lamb in the company of herb crust, dauphinoise potatoes, redcurrant jelly jus, rosemary oil and buttered green beans and shallots. Desserts could well be a vanilla pannacotta with a winter berry and cranberry compote or glazed lemon tart teamed with a fromage frais sorbet.

Located in the grounds of a 16th century farmhouse and set in forty acres of Hertfordshire countryside, the Coltsfoot Country Retreat is a modern luxury hotel that oozes typical English charm. Features such as open beams and oak beds blend well with Spanish floor tiles and state-of-the-art bathrooms to offer a lavish atmosphere to guests who visit the hotel from all over the world.

The dining facilities at Coltsfoot are second to none, and the Retreat Restaurant presents a wonderfully inventive à la carte in a lively atmosphere. You could also dine up on the galleried mezzanine that offers great views over the paddocks.

The chefs work closely with local suppliers in order to serve the freshest food. A mosaic of poultry terrine appears with celeriac remoulade, and a toasted fruit and herb salad finished with Chardonnay dressing while a main course of whole sea bream is poached in ginger, soy and scallions, and served with purple sprouting broccoli and pak choi.

Wine connoisseurs will rejoice when they come across the drinks list at Retreat Restaurant.