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hand picked restaurants

The very name Moti Mahal conjures up splendid images of sprawling palaces and an India that is no longer what it used to be, quaint and simply delightful. But this restaurant in Tiddington with its British backdrop of the Fox Inn and decor, which almost strays into the staid category were it not for the colourful curtains, is a remarkable choice for lunch or dinner. There may not be any palatial influences as suggested by the name but the food is rich, indulgent and completely Indian.

Start the meal with the leheriki macchli, cubes of succulent, flaked Bangladeshi freshwater fish sautéed with green chillies, garlic and coriander. Move on to some of the specials such as Kashmiri masalla kofta, spicy lamb meatballs cooked with cubes of bell peppers or the farhani murgh, chicken breast stuffed with minced lamb and cooked in a rich sauce. All your favourites are present and the choices of rice and breads make perfect accompaniments.

Burford Lodge's website describes the town of Burford as "a stunning, honey-coloured Cotswold stone town", and it might well include itself in that description. Sumptuous panelling and Regency-style fabrics abound. Comprehensively stuffed with genuine antique furniture, but not lacking in modern twists where opportunity dictates, the rooms are almost in a time warp, yet well able to deal with the pressures of modern living, and nowhere is this more true than in the dining room, open to residents and non residents, offering a menu that is essentially English with European touches.

Nor is the Lodge, built around 1814, short on the unusual; after all it is not every hotel where you can choose to have your meal cooked at table on volcanic stones, nor dip fruit, profiteroles and mallows in the Belgian chocolate fountain.

A veritable cornucopia of snacks is built round lunch, with light bites of, say smoked haddock fishcake, stuffed jalapeno peppers, or hot hobs, a freshly baked baguette with an attractive choice of fillings. Bigger bites include Thai red chicken curry, or Cumberland sausage with sage and onion gravy. The pie range lists steak, Stilton and mash pie, or various versions of the ploughman's feast.

Wonderful Thames vistas greet guests arriving for dinner at The Stream Bar and Restaurant in picturesque Abingdon. Located at the Upper Reaches Hotel in Thames Street, just beside the abbey ruins, its unique mill house ambience, with a backlit working water wheel, enhanced with stylish contemporary décor of cream walls and dark leather sofas comes as a pleasant surprise. A romantic tête-à-tête as well as an enjoyable evening with family and friends would be well in order with a modern European menu keeping you company.

On finding that your sensibilities have been awakened for more delights, discover the eclectic selection. From fresh sautéed scallops with pane black pudding and quail egg to Oxfordshire rump steak with homemade chunky chips and grilled tomato, there's a range of appealing dishes to satisfy the appetite. Allow the senses to guide you in choosing between char-grilled pork steak, homemade shepherd's pie, roast vegetable kebabs with minted couscous, grilled supreme of marinated salmon and field mushroom and parmesan risotto. Belgian waffles with hot caramel sauce, homemade lemon meringue pie or chocolate fudge ice cream sundae bring the meal to a deserving climax.

Lunch here could include beef and mustard sandwich, spicy vegetable burger, quarter grilled chicken with crispy salad or beef chilli con carne. The establishment's all-day breakfast serves up the award winning local bacon and sausage, fried bread, grilled tomato, large field mushroom, baked beans and free-range fried egg. In fine weather enjoy a barbecue, cocktail or tea on the terrace overlooking the millpond-on-the-river.

Housed within a building that dates back to the 18th century, The Lamb at Buckland is a charming Cotswold pub in a village setting, with a façade that seems typical of the area. Wait till you reach the restaurant, decked out in quite formal style; so lunch in the bar but keep the restaurant for an evening treat.

The menu seamlessly blends in traditional and modern dishes with game, locally produced lamb and pork, Scottish beef and fresh fish from Brixham and Newlyn being regular features. There are plenty of dishes in their repertoire such as warm three cheese and red onion tart and goose and foie gras terrine. This could be followed by rack of lamb and roast saddle of hare and some great puddings that could turn you nostalgic with childhood memories, think steamed syrup sponge and Bakewell tart.

In addition to holding regular wine tastings, the owners' interest in wines is reflected in a serious list, a contender for special recognition.

Dating from the 11th century the Manor remained in private ownership until 1917 when the then heir died in WW1. Bought by the Osborn family in 1983 it became a hotel of renown and remains so. The magnificent baronial hall houses the dining room where local produce features largely. To start perhaps the truffle infused tagliotine pasta with Jerusalem artichoke, hot smoked woodpigeon and a tomato jus. The poached fillet of gilt head bream with lemon scented risotto and saffron sauce would appeal to many and no matter what the appeal from the desserts area I could do nothing but wade in amongst some of the best cheeses I have ever seen displayed in an hotel. For them we are indebted to our old friends Paxton and Whitfield. The wine list just about supports the menu and there is a house selection from £15.95.