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Casual elegance and stylish decor can aptly sum up the ambience at Vaudreys, a recent addition to the culinary scene in Hildenborough, which is located just adjacent to the main rail station. The cuisine at this smart eatery features modern European dishes with a bit of fusion thrown in, so what you get is a fine selection of dishes, flavoursome, fresh and delicious. Whether you are there with friends or family, this place is suitable for all occasions, and the sunny terrace is a wonderful option for al fresco dining.

The monthly changing menus could feature a starter of peppered, grilled tuna loin with fennel and carrot leaf salad, ably supported by a main course of honey roasted duck breast with seared vegetables and roast potatoes. Vegetarians could enjoy dishes such as pan fried polenta, wild mushroom and pesto dressing and a separate menu for children ensures that the little ones are taken care of admirably. The bright and trendy bar at Vaudreys offers interesting cocktails, wines, beers and a good number of spirits.

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.

Slug and Lettuce has a chain of almost a hundred bars spread across the country sharing a common love of serving down to earth, undemanding food and drink.

The group prides itself on offering dishes prepared using quality ingredients, and you should be attended on by attentive staff in a safe, welcoming and cheerful environment. The Slugs have something for anyone - breakfast for a lively start to the day, lunch for busy people, family meals or even a relaxing glass of wine to bring a tiring day to an end - all in a variety of modern and stylish settings.

The menu features old time English favourites such as Gloucestershire Old Spot sausages in buttered mash or fish pie made with Dartmouth smokehouse haddock, in a Devon cream and leek sauce, although dishes look to Europe and further afield to Asia for inspiration. A good way to start the enjoyment is by sharing platters of Southern fried chicken breast pieces, crispy potato wedges, garlic ciabatta strips, half a rack of BBQ pork ribs, wasabi vegetables with onion rings or some Greek mezze

Hearty steak pies, Thai curry with sticky jasmine rice or butternut squash with goats' cheese lasagne are amongst the more popular main dishes. Sandwiches or wraps - warm tortilla with chicken and Parmesan or aromatic duck in plum sauce - provide for those who prefer something lighter. They also serve burgers as well as tempting salads like salmon, asparagus or tomato and mozzarella. For children they have good old British standby sausage and mash, or pepper pasta and ketchup among other choices, all of which never fail to delight, particularly as some of them seem to have come out of a certain celebrity chef's Book of Forbidden Dishes.

Desserts appear in the form of raspberry biscotti, hot chocolate pudding or a creamy strawberry cheesesake. The wine list is well compiled and substantial. There are not less than seven French, three from Italy and some from Spain, Chile, Australia as well as New Zealand. Slug and Lettuce can cater for events including birthday parties, fashion shows, hen nights, wedding parties or just an enjoyable night out with a few friends.

Hever, in the heart of the Kentish countryside, is home to the traditional The King Henry VIII Inn. Located directly opposite Hever Castle, the pub dates back to the 15th century and has an air of authentic olde England with its attractive half-timbered exterior and cosy, panelled interiors. Guests dining here can enjoy a variety of pub classics along with a pint of their favourite ale or beer.

Hearty family favourites ranging from chicken and leek pie to sirloin steak fill the menu. Other options include hunter's chicken with chips, roast beef and a variety of burgers and pizzas as well as daily specials. During the summer diners can enjoy their meal in the pleasant beer garden complete with pond, perfect for sunny days and if you find yourself staying on well into the evening, the inn offers comfortable 'Tudor-style' accommodation. The pub's vibrant atmosphere is enhanced with live music every Saturday night.