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Ten minutes from Central Milton Keynes and two minutes from Cranfield, The Swan at Salford is an attractive tile-hung Edwardian pub in a lovely village setting.

Since opening in 2005, The Swan has won a great local reputation, a view endorsed by the British Institute of Innkeepers in 2007 when it voted owner, Andrew Coath, Licensee of the Year (out of 8,000 nominations). You may know The Swan's sister pubs, The Black Horse, Woburn and The Embankment, Bedford.

It would be possible to enlarge upon all this indefinitely, but our purpose here is to tell you about The Swan at Salford and how they put into practice their strongly held principles. Located in a rural setting, The Swan offers the pleasures of a country gastropub within easy reach of the town. After a major overhaul one of the significant addition has been a comfortable and relaxed dining room where formality exists only to enhance the experience of those who look for a sense of occasion.

The à la carte menu together with a selection of great Sunday roasts is also served on Sundays. On sunny days we have a BBQ on the terrace throughout the week and offer an al fresco menu all day everyday.

If you are after a quick bite or a light lunch - just tell them - they'll happily advise on the best options for you.

A typical evening, for instance, offers a pleasurable setting to the after-work unwind groups, and others seeking a special setting for a meal that is reliable rather than over-challenging. This is well-achieved through the abilities of Head Chef, Mark Godbehear, whose first aim is to assess and meet the expectations of a clientele that knows what it wants.

A meal can start with a visit to the deli board, either for nibbles or starters - a selection of interesting cheeses, cold cuts, veggie or fish, as well as an Indian influence. The perfect way to share some of the best products they source. On their menu, you will find the very best quality fresh ingredients - fantastic sausages; free-range chicken and eggs; seared scallops and seafood; 28 day dry-aged Aberdeenshire steak - sourced from producers who take pride in their products and an ethical stance in their production.

The Swan always makes the most of seasonal ingredients - this ensures they avoid air-freighting and keeps us in touch with the cycle of the year - while combining the best of great British cooking and influences from around the world that are now part of our culture.

The wine list bears the imprint of somebody who knows about wine, and whilst not lengthy is very much to the point. It is always heartening to see well-respected labels in evidence, with prices mostly contained within the £13 - £30 range, offering value for money and well-travelled choices.

The gastropub is not a phenomenon created by the marketing men, it is primarily a reasoned response to public demand. The Swan is a fine example of a thoroughly thought-through answer to that question.

For more information about this attractive gastropub, do take a look at their Website.

The Dundas Arms in Kintbury is very fortunate to have such a magnificent location on the banks of the River Kennet and The Kennet and Avon canal. The natural beauty of the area is inspiring and this friendly establishment has been looking after the needs, offering both food and drink, for famished and parched folk since the end of the 18th century. In the past three decades it has belonged to just one family and owner David Dalzell-Piper has worked and cooked at The Dundas Arms throughout that time.

As it happens to be at the crossroads of Southern England, it is only a short distance by road or rail from many national and local places of interest and entertainment. Oxford of the famed dreaming spires, Winchester, Salisbury and its Cathedral, and Stonehenge are only around 25 miles away and the village is halfway between London and Bath, with its Roman Baths and The Royal Crescent.

If you are so inclined, you could attend the races in the famous Newbury racecourse and spend the day in an exciting way. More sedate pursuits might include a visit to the close by Highclere Castle, home to the Earls of Carnarvon, where tours include the Egyptian centre with numerous artefacts from the tomb of Tutankhamen.

The restaurant is quiet and peaceful, an oasis of sorts, but more like a French Auberge, and has delightful views over the canal, a perfect setting in which to enjoy the local produce, imaginatively cooked. The bar is livelier and offers updated modern food; there is also an extensive wine list from which to choose to complement your meal.
 
The bar menu is chalked up on a blackboard and changes from day to day; it could feature crispy duck salad, steak and kidney pie with vegetables, or avocado and hot roast salmon salad.
 
Starters from the à la carte in the restaurant could typically include grilled goat's cheese on Italian bread on sweet tomato purée; potted brown shrimps with toast, or avocado and hot roast salmon salad while there's a delightful choice for vegetarians with the spinach and red pepper lasagne with salad.

Moving on to the main courses, dishes such as the roast breast of English duck with cider, apple sauce and vegetables stand out, while the grilled rib eye steak with mushrooms and chips could be considered a firm favourite. There's also battered cod fillet with chips and mushy peas; fried calves' liver with bacon, mash and onion gravy or steak and kidney pie with vegetables for those looking to tantalise their taste buds with an interesting confluence of textures and tastes.

The Dundas Arms has five bedrooms on the ground floor of the old stable block and all are comfortably furnished with telephones and en-suite bathrooms. Patio doors in each of the rooms open on to a terrace that offers marvellous views of the River Kennet and the trees beyond. More information is available on their Website.

In the heart of the Surrey village of Warlingham, Chez Vous delivers superb French cuisine in a relaxed, contemporary setting, surrounded by picturesque North Downs countryside. Housed in a beautifully renovated old flint stone cottage on Limpsfield Road, Chez Vous carefully combines many of the building's original features such as arched doorways and pillars with sleek, contemporary furnishings to create a chic ambience. A delicious, predominantly French menu, likewise, combines the classic with the modern to satisfy the palates of all good food aficionados.

There's a soothing aubergine and cream colour scheme with banquette seating in the restaurant, and marshmallow stools and cube seating in the lounge bar. There is a wonderfully informal atmosphere perfect for appreciating the kitchen team's gastronomic flair. Abstract works of art on the walls, Swarovski lighting and Indian rosewood tables add a stylish touch to the ensemble.

Innovation is at the heart of the culinary oeuvre of acclaimed Chefs Martin Bradley and Laurent Pacaud, reflecting their history in such renowned establishments as The Savoy, Gleneagles and La Barbe restaurant. Fresh seasonal ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible, are artfully melded with exotic spices from around the world to create delicious gourmet fare that reflects the colours and flavours of the season.

A meal here could begin with starters of a zesty gin and ginger cured river trout served with a wasabi pannacotta and Seville orange vierge; terrine of local pheasant and Armagnac prunes studded with pistachios, fresh quince and apple chutney jelly or classic market fresh mussels steamed with white wine and fresh herbs finished with a dash of cream.

The mélange of interesting flavour combinations continue with main courses of sumptuous fillet of Scotch beef crusted in cracked pepper and served with caramelised beets, red onions and an aged balsamic jus; crisp roasted supreme of chicken resting on a leek and chervil mash with wild mushroom timbale and a mild mustard cream or the more overt Eastern flavours of lime leaf steamed delice of halibut and pak choi served with oriental prawn dumplings and a soy shitaki broth.

Desserts of scrumptious hazelnut and honey scented iced nougat parfait with amaretto crème Anglaise and chocolate tuille; pistachio ice cream and poached pear basket with a rich chocolate sauce or a lighter and flavourful passionfruit and orange tart served with a mango and pomegranate salsa is indeed manna for the sweet tooth.

Alternatively diners can choose to eat in the smart lounge bar where they can enjoy set 2-course or 3-course lunch menus. A handpicked wine selection includes a range of whites and reds from France, with examples from Burgundy, Rhone, Bordeaux, Languedoc and Alsace along with a sprinkling from the rest of the world. A variety of special coffees, liqueurs, Port and other spirits is perfect for afters.

Having first established their reputation as wedding caterers par excellence throughout Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and London, Chez Vous continues to cater to weddings, private parties and corporate events with bespoke menus and end-to-end services.

Guests can also opt to stay overnight in the equally well appointed Chez Vous hotel at the same venue with rooms being refurbished and ready for use in 2012.

More information can be found on their Website.

The Thatch has an interesting history to add to its ancient origins way back in the 16th century. Many will recall the BBC2 show, The Restaurant, which culminated in the renovation of The Thatch as the prize won by Jeremy and Jane Hooper, who moved in November 2008. Following their decision to move back to Cornwall partly for family reasons but also to open a restaurant there, a team from the award-winning Peach Pub Company moved in.

Partner Frazer Sutherland has worked everywhere from the dizzy heights of the OXO Tower, London and The Summit in Sydney and is now, with his team, working his magic in Thame. In charge amongst the stoves is Paul Whitby, a real professional. The menu designed specially by Paul and his team features the traditional favourites as well as something a little different.

The Thatch opens at 10am daily, serving coffee and cake, with hot food available from noon onwards. The all-day menu served from noon to 6.00pm includes an express menu for those on the move, with a good range of sandwiches as well as hot meals.

Their renowned deli board is also available with cheese, charcuterie, antipasti, fish and favourites offering a rich harvest of tasty bites at £2.25 a go. Or take the easy route and ask the staff to make up your own board at great value for £11 served with choice of rustic or pitta bread. This is the perfect start in trying some of the fantastic ingredients and a splendid way to chill out after a hard day before getting down to the meal.

On their menu, you will find the very best quality fresh ingredients - fantastic sausages; free-range chicken and eggs; simple, pan-fried cod fillet and seafood; rib eye steaks - sourced from producers who take pride in their products and an ethical stance in their production. The Thatch's menu always makes the most of seasonal ingredients, this ensures they avoid air-freighting and keeps us in touch with the cycle of the year, while combining the best of great British cooking and influences from around the world that are now part of our culture.

The à la carte menu is served from noon ? 2.45pm and evenings. The starters could consist of soup of the day with crusty bread, or beef carpaccio with rocket, parmesan, lemon and truffle oil. This could be followed by rump of lamb with Welsh potato cake, tender stem broccoli and minted salsa verde, or loin of pork, French beans, mushrooms and horseradish fettuccini. The meal can be rounded off with a summer pudding or chocolate tart and salted caramel peanuts.

Pubs are so much concerned with food these days that it is sometimes easy to forget their traditional function in life, to provide a comfortable place in which to drink. A short but very serviceable wine list packs in quality and variety, described in the 2008 Michelin Guide as 'small but well-chosen with a decent selection by the glass'. Well-kept real ales and continental lagers keep the long thirsts contented, and premium spirits hit the spot when needed.

To help you keep an eye on developments at this highly attractive country pub/restaurant a quick click on the Website will reveal all. You might also want to consider a visit to The Thatch's sister pubs - The Old Mill in Berkhamsted and The Fishes at North Hinksey near Oxford.

The Duke's Head in Crawley offers guests a menu filled with British pub classics as well as contemporary Mediterranean dishes. Whether you are dropping in for a bite, quick lunch or leisurely dinner with family and friends a warm welcome, exceptional food and a premium drinks list awaits you. Set in the heart of the Sussex Weald, The Duke's Head is easily accessible from the M23 and just a short drive from Gatwick as well as the nearby towns of Horsham, Dorking, and Hayward's Heath.

A striking mock-Tudor building on Church Walk, minutes away from Crawley Rail Station, The Duke's Head's large windows lend a bright airy ambience while the warm colour scheme, cosy corners, wood floors and the crackling log fire offer the perfect antidote to winter weather.

Refreshing Mediterranean flavours fill the à la carte and are evident in dishes such as grilled goats cheese crostini served with roast sweet potatoes and borlotti beans or pasta of braised rabbit in Aspall's Cyder with mushrooms, spinach, cream and pangrattato. The pizza's are equally excellent, alongside classic Margherita and pepperoni varieties are more inventive toppings such as tiger prawns and char grilled courgettes with chilli, tomato, gremolata and basil.

The mains selection is a mix of hearty offerings from the grill including a black and blue burger with dolcelatte, mushroom and chips; calves liver with champ potatoes, crispy shallots and red wine jus; spit chicken with lemon, garlic, thyme and chips and the enduringly popular freshly battered haddock with chips, tartare sauce and minted mushy peas.

A number of specials and offers are offered each day of the week, notably the Steak and Wine Supper every Wednesday which offers a wide range of superb steaks along with a bottle of red wine at a whopping 50% discount, while fish and seafood lovers can look forward to Fabulous Fish Fridays. Sparkling Thursdays delivers a variety of fine sparkling wines and champagnes at special rates, and the Duke's Head lays out a delectable spread on Sundays with a variety of mouth watering roasts with lashings of delicious gravy and seasonal vegetables.

A two-course prix fixe menu, available for a weekday lunch or an early dinner, is most convenient if you are in a hurry. If you want to order a lite bite or mains to go with your drink, look no further than the bar menu which offers such dishes as trio of mini burgers ? spiced lamb burger with tzatziki, beef burger with tomato salsa and pork and chorizo burger, fennel crusted calamari with sweet chilli sauce and freshly battered haddock with chips, tartare sauce and minted mushy peas.

Wine is taken seriously at The Duke's Head and a carefully compiled wine list, in association with experts, offers a variety of classic Mediterranean white and red wines as well as examples from the rest of the world including the best of the wine producing regions of South Africa, Chile, Argentina and California. The pub also hosts regular wine tasting evenings.

More information can be found on their Website.

Café Rouge has over one hundred branches throughout Britain all offering a wide range of dishes drawn from the French cuisine. Slightly less than half their branches are in or close to London. Almost inevitably the décor and design of each restaurant differs from the others, but there is a general curtsy towards La France.

Many restaurants do an excellent breakfast, or shall we say petit dejeuner, at which such delights as scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on toasted brioche, croque Madame, croissants and pain au chocolat make welcome appearances, and to their credit the English traditional gets top billing.

An array of small dishes takes in pulled pork pâté with French bread, and spicy beef and lamb sausage with harissa mayonnaise. Salads and pasta feature largely, as do baguettes and croques. Quick dishes, ideal for lunch, include slices of saucisson and cured pork loin with French bread.

Moving on to more serious stuff we find steaks, an 8oz bavette and thin cut rib eye, with a choice of béarnaise or peppercorn sauce. No French menu would be complete without the poulet jaune grille, pan-roasted breast of corn-fed chicken served on a warm taboulé of bulgar wheat and a medley of roasted vegetables with minted crème fraîche, or a steak frites before moving on to the crème brûlée, or the tart tatin. Almost invariably the coffee tastes like coffee should, something that sadly can all too often still not be said of our English restaurants, who depend too much upon technology and too little on the acquisition of a certain flair for this important conclusion to a meal.

By now we all know that the French, despite their distinctive habits when it comes to matters of satisfying the inner man, maintain a miraculous longevity of life. This is generally attributed to a number of causes, of which a measured consumption of decent wine is foremost. Café Rouge, you may be pleased to hear, encourages this with a well-chosen selection of French wines. Their prix fixe lunch and meals for children, both at a very reasonable figure, also offer excellent value.

Their Website will keep you updated on menu changes, news and other competitions and offers from the Café Society.

Matsuba restaurant on Red Lion Street offers a mix of contemporary and classic Japanese cuisine alongside sushi and sashimi in an intimate and elegant setting. This Japanese restaurant has grown rapidly within the neighbourhood of Richmond, since its opening over seven years ago.

A stone's throw from the Odeon Cinema and the Richmond Filmhouse, the restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a quick meal before or after a film. Other attractions such as the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, Richmond Park and Richmond Theatre are all just a short walk away.

Meaning 'leaf of the pine tree' in Japanese, Matsuba's stylish contemporary interiors feature dark wood and subtle light panels running along the length of the room, with vintage Japanese parasols adding an authentic ethnic touch. Friendly service from smartly turned out waiters is most welcome.

The kitchen offers authentic Japanese dishes with a slight modern twist and a touch of Far East Korean cuisine. Specialities here include dobin mushi, a clear soup traditionally served in a small clay tea pot, scallops seared in butter and the classic Korean dish, bibim bap served in a stone pot bowl.

You could begin with ebi tempura, tuna sashimi, crab and avocado sushi, cod's roe nigiri, Florida maki or California roll, all freshly prepared and flavourful. Then follow with such dishes as grilled squid with asparagus, gyoza meat dumplings, deep fried courgette discs served with tsuyu sauce, spicy Korean seafood broth, teriyaki duck with rice or Kobe beef served with rice and miso soup. Guests can also expect to find a range of set dinners, lunch boxes, speciality sushi and sashimi, and assorted party platter sushi sets. The Matsuba Special Bento Box is filled with mixed tempura, sushi and sashimi, teriyaki chicken, appetiser, pickles, salad rice, miso soup and fruit.

The extensive drinks list includes a wide variety of champagnes and carefully chosen wines to pair with oriental dishes and sushi. Speciality Japanese beers, rice wine sake, Korean soju and soft drinks are also available.

The restaurant also offers takeaway, office lunch, private and corporate catering. With excellent public transport links, Richmond Tube and Rail Station is just a short walk, the venue is also exclusively available for hire for all private and corporate special events.

Forbury's Restaurant is situated in the central square of a modern development opposite Forbury Garden in the centre of Reading; it has achieved many positive reviews since it opened along with a recommendation from Michelin since 2006, two AA Rosettes and inclusion in Harden's Recommended. The restaurant has been created by Xavier Le-Bellego whose name has become associated with fine food and dining.

Xavier has worked with the internationally famous Raymond Blanc, John Burton Race and Albert Roux before managing The Red House near Newbury where he received the coveted 'Gastro Pub of the Year' title for two consecutive years.

Forbury's offers unfussy renditions of modern French and British cuisines and some of the dishes that emerge from the kitchen could be foie gras with truffles, sauce gribiche and quenelle de brochet. Xavier passionately believes that 'good fresh food does not have to be expensive' and this is reflected in the menu admirably.

The modern and stylish restaurant is fully air conditioned and in addition to the main dining area, there is a private dining room, which can seat up to sixteen, a bar area, and a seating area on the terrace outside where diners on fine days can enjoy the pleasant outlook over Forbury Garden. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner each day from Monday to Saturday and for special functions and celebrations on Sunday.

The highly regarded à la carte menu offers starters such as pan-fried Cornish hand dived scallops, pea purée, pea shoots and black pudding; tian of Cornish crab and avocado, confit tomato and red pepper dressing, or gruyère gougère, fricassée of wild mushrooms and poached duck egg. Main courses could include Ashampstead pig's head cooked three ways; squid ink fafarelle with squid, clams, prawns and rosemary cream, or grilled 7oz Gatcombe Farm angus rib-eye steak, also available in 9oz.

Don't miss the enticing range of desserts that include passion fruit soufflé; Amedei dark chocolate fondant, roasted banana and dark chocolate ice cream, or a Braeburn apple tarte tatin for two to share.

The market menu is good value for money and is available for lunch and dinner. Some of the options there are salmon gravadlax and horseradish cream, followed by roasted loin of English pork with roast potatoes, finishing with treacle tart with hot sauce anglaise; there is a choice of four dishes in each course.

Whether it is good food or wine, the French are not too far from it and Forburys's wine list which features around 240 wines from across the world was mentioned in the AA Notable Wine List for 2008. Some of these wines are available by the glass and are a fantastic accompaniment to the meal or just on their own too.

During the evening they are able to offer secure underground parking, however, this must be booked in advance when you book your table. For more information on everything from private dining, the wine list and latest menus, do have a look at their comprehensive Website.

An enjoyable evening in its comfortable, contemporary setting is full of pleasant surprises. While the umpteen benefits of a vegetarian diet have been loudly proclaimed for several years, Terre à Terre sets out to prove that it need not come at the expense of flavour or variety by indulging the palate with expertly blended ingredients to provide a culinary experience with a difference.

Terre à Terre's à la carte is as detailed as it is novel. Using seasonal vegetarian, vegan and organic products, including a host of locally sourced ingredients, it serves up piquant starters of  arepas chilli candy; deep fried corn cakes rolled in spice dust and served with chilli jelly, avocado and lime mayonnaise. While the wittily titled Peas Please turns out to be a delectable pea mousse served with a salad of broad beans, saffron new potatoes, white leeks and little gem hearts. For a sampling of dishes across the menu, why not try the Terre à tapas selection.

The unique combination of flavours continues with a host of sumptuous main course options. Crispy fried potato rösti comes with a buttered spinach topping and accompanied by a soft poached egg and melting cheese. Other choices include delectably soft buttermilk-soaked halloumi dipped in chip shop batter and served with chunky chips, vodka-spiked preserved plum tomatoes, bright fresh pea mint hash and pickled quails egg with a lemony Yemeni relish. There's also choice of shiitake, sake and kombu raman broth finished with courgette noodles, Chinese chives and soy; and red onion, mustard seed and cumin crumpets with ginger root chilli jam.

Delicious desserts such as the Middle Eastern inspired honey glazed pistachio and olive oil cake with velvety chocolate sorbet and a hot honeyed cardamom espresso shot, or sugar spice dusted doughnut straws served with sticky dipping chocolate and Rain Vodka sozzled cherries will satisfy even the sweetest tooth.

The same careful consideration extends to the organic and biodynamic wine list which sparkles with a variety of superb whites and reds from around the world including a Vega Lucia Blanco from Spain, Horsmonden Dry from East Sussex, Syrah from Chile and a Pinot Noir from New Zealand. Organic beers and ciders, aperitifs, cocktails and fruit juice will also quench the thirst.

More information can be found on their Website.

Opposite the City Limits bowling alley in the popular Xscape Entertainment Centre, Chimichanga Milton Keynes offers authentic Mexican food in a vibrant modern setting. As well as the numerous attractions inside the Xscape Centre, the restaurant is also just a 4-minute walk from Milton Keynes Theatre and the Milton Keynes Gallery.
 
Chimichanga's extensive à la carte caters to a variety of palates. A wide range of delicious appetisers includes crab cakes, Buffalo chicken wings and empanadas, a traditional crispy pastry filled with a choice of chicken or chorizo sausage with cheese and served with sour cream. Other choices include piri piri prawns, Cajun chicken with chilli sauce and jalapeno bullets, a dish of deep fried jalapeno peppers with cream cheese and chilli sauce. Appetisers to share include chicken nachos or taquitos, crispy flour tortilla tubes with a range of fillings including cheese and black beans, chicken, cheese and salsa and chorizo and cheese.

Light bites include a range of tortilla wraps including a classic fajita wrap with a choice of char grilled fajita steak or chicken served with peppers and onions in a tortilla with Jack cheese. Vegetarians are catered for with the delicious courgette and Portobello mushroom wraps which comes with chipotle chilli sauce and jack cheese. There's also a number of tempting salad options such as blackened tuna salad with tuna steak coated in a special blend of Cajun spices, blacked on a hot skillet and served over a bed of mixed leaves with roasted peppers, cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

For something more filling diners could opt for a tortilla burger, made from 100 per cent fully traceable prime Scottish beef wrapped in a flour tortilla with mayonnaise and served with changa chips.

The char grill section's succulent offerings include barbecue baby back ribs served with change chips and jalapeno coleslaw; sirloin mojo rojo, a centre cut sirloin steak marinated in chilli, garlic and coriander and served with beer battered onion rings and change chips, Santa Fe chicken with rice, black beans and guacamole or flame grilled piri piri chicken.
 
Sumptuous Mexican specialities naturally include chimichanga, a flour tortilla fried golden brown with Jack cheese and served with your choice of filling ? either chunky beef chilli con carne, BBQ pulled pork or bean chilli - sautéed onions and peppers and garnished with sour cream, chives, guacamole and tortilla croutons, as well as a variety of burritos, enchiladas and tostadas. There are also chipotle meatballs, Mexican paella, chilli de la casa and south-western crab cakes. The grande quesadilla is a baked flour tortilla sandwich with your choice of filling and drizzled with sour cream and served with Mexican rice and chipotle chilli sauce.

The lunch menu offers a choice of two or three courses while a children?s menu caters to the tastes of the little ones.

Round off the satisfying meal with scrumptious dessert of giant Mexican profiterole, chocolate fudge brownie or honeycomb smash cheesecake. Alternatively, end with a speciality coffee or liqueur. Chimichanga offers a variety of wines, beers, cocktails, margheritas, sangria and soft drinks to quench the thirst.

More information can be found on their Website.