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One of the highest rated Thai restaurants in the middle of England, this restaurant has been a huge success since it opened in 1987, when the populace of Banbury greeted it with open wallets and welcoming stomachs, having not experienced genuine Thai food at sensible prices before. The Thai Orchid gets high marks for its decor and fittings, though for some, eating to the sounds of running water can be mildly disconcerting but if you are immune to that or not then there is a good menu display of interesting and some original dishes.

Thai eating is a very social business. It is a time for relaxation, enjoying company and conversation with food as an equal partner, prepared in such a way as to be eaten easily. You will find a spoon and fork table setting only, since Thai meat dishes come in diced form. How sensible! That really is comfort food.

The goon pad huad, king prawns cooked with asparagus, straw mushrooms and oyster sauce for example has particular appeal, leaving the flavour of the main ingredient enhanced rather than hidden. Duck is a much favoured dish, so keep an eye open for baked breast of duck marinated in Thai herbs, sliced and topped with a light spicy brown sauce with Chinese leaves, dry mushroom and celery. A favourite dish for many is pork, stir fried in a deep red curry with spicy shrimp sauce and French beans. If ordering rice do make sure to try the jasmine rice cooked with coconut milk, padan leaf and ginger.

Every day they serve a superb value 3 course, eat-as-much-as-you-like lunch of excellent quality, served from a buffet counter where the food is constantly changed to ensure freshness all the time. We have been known to adjust travel times to accommodate this wonderful offer. A sensible wine list does not over reach itself, whilst travelling the world, including house wines from Thailand that make an ideal accompaniment, as you would expect, to Thai food. Thai beer is also on offer, together with Kaliber which gives the feel without the kick. Service is always welcoming and many of the staff have been there since the opening. Regular customers are greeted like long lost friends. What a difference that can make to the overall experience.

Since its inception in 2002, the Paw Paw group has aimed at giving customers a new experience in enjoying Chinese cuisine. Their first branch in Leamington struck out from a traditional approach and let diners watch their meal being prepared.

The Banbury branch is situated in Bridge Street and doubles up as a takeaway. The menu offers popular Peking, Szechuan and Cantonese classics as well as new creations that have become instant favourites. Special attention has been paid to giving vegetarians better choices and providing them with a range of exciting quorn protein alternatives such as quorn in black bean sauce.

You could start your day with the English breakfast or try some sandwiches, visit them at lunchtime and sample dishes such as sweet and sour prawns, pork with ginger and spring onions and roast duck and pineapple.

There are wines, beer and soft drinks to complement the food you order.