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hand picked restaurants

A hotel that likes its guests to use the hotel as they would their own home. What! Has the penny dropped at last? Well, that's what it says and very good luck to the owners for recognizing and accepting what many don't. Happily, within this delightful Georgian former farmhouse these sentiments certainly seem to extend to the restaurant where robust dishes with plenty of attention paid to flavours dominate the scene. Many of the ingredients are organic and such dishes as organic pork sausages braised in leeks or chicken, ham and mushroom pie with tarragon cream are prepared with skill and attention to detail. This is a happy place and people vote with their feet - go and see.

If you're someone who likes the Mediterranean and their relaxed and informal ways of life then RJ @ 21 will make you especially happy because they're inspired by the cafes and restaurants of Barcelona and specialise in fresh, seasonal and simply created food.

The stylish little place with its minimalist design, vibrant colours, cosy couches and wooden furniture, all complemented by pictures from the streets of Barcelona, exudes quality and charm. Consider visiting RJ with friends, the family or children and experience Mediterranean flair in Cowley Road.

The seasonally changing menu offers continental and English breakfasts, meals and a range of wine and cocktails. Consider starting with a plate of manchego cheese with sultanas, pine nuts and olive oil before moving on to Kelmscott honey roasted ham, egg and chips, a salad of endive, walnut, gorgonzola and apple, or mains of wild mushroom tagliatelle; grilled swordfish, roasted tomatoes on the vine or rib eye steak frites.

Desserts could include sweet 'coca' with vanilla ice cream or banana flambé.

A 16th century building is home to this dramatically fashioned dining room with its gallery and old beams. The versatility of the approach in the kitchen is demonstrated by a skilful starter of shredded salsa vegetable spring rolls, deep fried and reposing on shallot and pear marmalade and a little basil vinaigrette. Generally I prefer my steaks as unfussed as possible but if I was looking for a change I would be very tempted by the grilled sirloin steak on rosemary roast potatoes with a Stilton glaze and oyster mushroom sauce. The baked chevre goats cheesecake on poached balsamic plums and passion fruit syrup would ensure a happy end to the meal, particularly as helpings err on the generous.

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.

The Merry Miller is a small village pub where customers are encouraged to forget the cares of life and 'eat, drink and be merry' for as long as they want. Situated in the village of Cothill, the inn benefits from being only 4 miles from Abingdon, ideal to relax and enjoy good food and drink.

The traditional decor mixes leather oxblood chesterfields with soft contemporary furnishings, scrubbed wooden beamed ceilings, and distressed pine panelling, with a distinct Tuscan feel. There are bare wooden boards, original parquet and Oxfordshire flagstones covering the floors and chairs interestingly rescued from a nearby chapel!

The pub serves delicious homemade delights such as slow roasted half shoulder of lamb, moussaka, smoked haddock, assiette of crab and salmon, crispy stone baked pizzas, baguettes, paninis, salads, as well as a range of tempting desserts like Belgium chocolate and rum torte, and baked Oxford parkin with raspberry ripple.