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A relaxed setting along with good food and drink brings on the mellow mood at Antico Restaurant in the heart of riverside Henley-on-Thames. The menu offers a blend of modern and traditional Italian fare with a range of regional wines to savour.
 
Begin well with pasta parcels filled with porcini mushrooms and topped with pancetta in a creamy sauce or homemade pancake filled with ragout di Bolognese and baked in a cheesey sauce. Continue to do justice to the appetite with breast of chicken in a light white wine sauce with prawns, tender T-bone of veal grilled with rosemary or fresh Scottish salmon and crushed new potatoes in a creamy champagne sauce. Creamy blue cheese from Lombardy and sheep's milk cheese from Sardinia prolong the meal's pleasure. Enjoy the house red which is a light and soft wine from the north east of Italy, a classic Pinot Grigio, an elegant Gavi di Gavi or a delicate rosé wine.

Located in a prime piece of scenic England it comes as no surprise to hear that this inn, first licensed in 1617, is no stranger to film-makers, whose names have become absorbed into the menu, never mind the ethos of the place.

Only thirty minutes from London and with some well-heeled parts of what used to be known as the stockbroker belt inside a 7 mile radius, The Bull and Butcher rises to the occasion with enthusiasm, offering a menu which, whilst described as English certainly has inclinations beyond these shores.

From amongst the bar food starters expect to find smoked mackerel pate served with beetroot chutney and toast, or home smoked chicken and bacon salad tossed with honey mustard dressing.

Bar main courses include 'Midsomer burger' (see above), on a granary bap topped with Stilton, or, somewhat inevitably, 'Chitty Chitty Bangers and Mash' served with red onion marmalade and gravy.

In the restaurant a starter of smoked duck and strawberry comes with berry vinaigrette, or there could be lobster spaghetti with lemon and chilli oil. Mains are of the robust variety, with belly of pork done in a chorizo and cider sauce and served with Dijon and thyme mash as fairly typical, and a rib-eye steak and béarnaise sauce with full trimmings including 'monster chips'. Now what movie did they come from or am I missing something? Casino Royale perhaps?

The overall effect is assisted by well preserved antiquity, supported by open fires and lack of pub clutter.

Although the name seems to suggest its riverside location near the Royal Regatta enclosure, the interior at Villa Marina with candle lights, a lovely fireplace and closely packed tables has all the trappings of a cosy Italian restaurant.

Then there is the food that is reliably authentic starting with tulips of smoked salmon and prawns with mascarpone tartare, baby calamari with chickpeas in a tomato, herb and chilli sauce, and lamb's lettuce salad with avocado and crispy bacon and balsamic dressing. Next to arrive could be plates of cod steak served in a tomato, olives, capers and oregano sauce and chicken breast in mushroom, Marsala wine and cream. The simplicity of a pasta dish is undeniable with egg pasta tossed in smoked bacon, asparagus and tomato sauce, and linguine with prawns, cherry tomatoes, rocket salad and bortega.

The concise wine list at Villa Marina draws from Italy, France, South Africa and Spain with house wine from Rosso.

The welcoming little La Bodega is sometimes referred to as one of Henley-on-Thames' favourite tapas restaurants. Situated in Hart Street, its simple yet lovingly done up bare brick and wood interior with a variety of flora, attract customers wanting to sample tempting Spanish tapas and wine.

Choose to spend time relaxing outside or in the cosy and rustic dining area inside. The starters could include tender octopus, warm chorizo, diced lamb, spicy meatballs, fish croquettes, pan-fried scallops, marinated pork, sautéed potatoes, tuna medallions and grilled quail. And that is but a small selection of the tapas on offer.

Mains encompass pan-fried hake, grilled swordfish with white wine and butter, lamb cutlets with mint sauce, chicken breast with red peppers and chilli, and simple but wholesome mixed char-grilled vegetables. The chef's specials consist of Spanish suckling pig, rib of beef and live lobster.

Traditional Spanish cava as well as other wines, champagne and beers add further zest to the La Bodega menu.

Located within the Red Lion Hotel, a historic former coaching inn on the banks of the River Thames, the restaurant is a cosy, intimate space that offers views of the picturesque surrounding area. Parts of the building date back to the 15th century and the hotel retains much of its medieval architecture and charm, with large bright picture windows and a number of carefully preserved antiques adorning the halls and walls.
 
The kitchen produces a menu that is firmly based around local British dishes, with some French influences, and is made from fresh ingredients sourced from local markets wherever possible. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, guests can choose from a variety of appetizers, main courses of vegetarian and meat dishes and tempting desserts. Meals can be accompanied by a range of locally brewed beers or a bottle from the carefully selected wine list.
 
At the end of their meal, guests can relax in the Snug Bar where they can enjoy a nightcap in front of an open fire.