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hand picked restaurants

Spurred on by the success of LSQ2 at GreenPark, Reading, Sally and Tony Cole took a considered look at a site in the town centre and were fortunate to secure another riverside location at the Oracle in the very heart of this vibrant university town.

The very epitome of a modern restaurant, the glass walls bathe the interior in natural light that combines with the contemporary cathedral-like height of the space to create a perfect backdrop against which to showcase the theatre of modern exhibition cooking. This is a space in which to impress, to entertain clients, or merely chill out with friends, colleagues, relations even.

On the corner of the riverside and London Street, Oracle is handy for parking at Holybrook and Riverside. Both are safe, secure and easily accessible. Riverside is open 24/7. If travelling by rail Reading station is only a mile away.

Start your meal in style with baked Waterloo cheese, onion marmalade with chilli relish, or there's olives marinated with olive oil, garlic, chilli and fresh herbs, and home baked bread with olive oil, balsamic and spezie.

Traditional Thai fishcakes of salmon and pangasius fillet with sweet chilli sauce, wild local rabbit and Meon Valley pork faggot with braised leeks and spicy butternut broth, or potted duo of fresh and smoked salmon with crème fraiche, pernod, lemon juice and chives are but three from a good range of entrée dishes.

Main courses pursue a happy path of inventiveness tinged with tradition and the red curry of seafood, an aromatic cream curry with scallops, salmon, pollock and prawns, venison Wellington accompanied by haggis, horseradish cream, swede fondant and red wine sauce, or pan fried North Sea cod with star anise braised oxtail and oyster mushrooms reinforce this trend. For an indulgent concession to modern food take a closer look at the Wagyu beef burger on brioche with local cooked salmon, free range fried egg, bacon, cheese, chilli miso and triple cooked chips.

The char-grill continues the theme of modern and imaginative dishes with a difference, and the weeping tiger kangaroo fillet steak is marinated in lime, chilli and coriander and served with jasmine rice. A roasted Cornish monkfish comes to table wrapped in prosciutto with Yorkshire pudding, cider, chorizo and caper cream sauce. The butternut squash and chickpea gnocchi stages an appearance, with a supporting cast of chestnut brown mushrooms and wild garlic.

The range of sweet temptations that lies in wait to trap the weak and unwary scores points with a treacle tart with crème anglaise, icky sticky toffee pudding with toffee pecan sauce and Chantilly cream and a local cheese board that seems to have made a point of selecting the most outstanding of its kind, all stating the case for a menu that has not just had some puddings added on.

LSQ2's express lunch operates daily from 12 to 6 pm, offering exceptional value from a two course menu with such hot dishes as traditional Thai fishcakes with sweet chilli sauce and home made Pollock fish fingers with triple cooked chips and mushy peas.

On Sundays (11-5) LSQ2 serves brunch, the ideal occasion to totally chill with or without friends, probably the newspapers, enjoying anything from coffee and croissants to an impressive full English, and much, much more as lunch comes and goes.

Looking for private dining for an intimate party of up to 8? Call 0118 9511 311 and do it in style at Oracle Riverside.

A smart wine list presses the right buttons. From a 2006 Chianti Reserva Villa Di Campobello to a South African 2007 Merlot with a nose like a port light, the list follows in the footsteps of the LSQ2 interpretation of exciting food in great surroundings and company.

Their excellent Website will keep you up to date on changes and events.

This attractive restaurant situated in the heart of Old Amersham is a marvellous dining destination where history and beauty come together with ease. This 17th century grammar school now houses Gilbey's and the building has character, elegance and grace while the delightful garden lends a much admired space for al fresco dining. There's also a private dining room where you can entertain up to twelve people.

There are quite a few wonderful dishes emerging from the kitchen and both the execution and presentation are indeed remarkable. The à la carte features starters such as ham hock and split pea ballotine with apple and star anise compote and toast; citrus-confit organic salmon with fennel and orange salad and horseradish crème fraîche, or seared scallops with cauliflower puree and curried raisin vinaigrette.

Further down the menu, main courses lead on to delights such as tenderloin of pork with braised white beans and baby gems, confit garlic and mustard sauce; fillet of Cornish hake with pea puree, crushed new potatoes and crab bisque, or roasted loin and breast of lamb with wilted nettles, Jerusalem puree and dauphinoise. Don't miss the puddings where warm chocolate brownie with white chocolate mousse and raspberry sorbet vie for your attention alongside a Gilbey's lemon tart with pistachio ice cream, although the selection of British cheeses provides a tempting diversion.

A very reasonably priced two course set menu is available Monday through Saturday for lunch and could feature soup of the day with crusty bread followed by red wine-braised oxtail 'open' lasagne with spinach, sautéed baby onions and mushrooms. On Sundays a traditional roast is always included, although be prepared for the size of the Yorkshire puddings!

Wine is a passion with the Gilbeys, made evident by the wine list which has been compiled by Tom Gilbey - Bill and Caroline's son, who runs a very successful and energetic wine importing company called The Vintner. Their full list changes regularly and hence they are able to introduce lots of new wines from throughout the world, not forgetting the established French classics.

Finally, a word about the front of house team. Headed by Pippa, they are about the best in the business and the Gilbey's know how lucky they are to have them all. Pay them a visit and you will understand why.

Consult their easy to use Website for up to date menus and other information on what's going on at this highly attractive place of good cheer.

An historic Victorian pub, The Radcliffe Arms is a popular haunt that successfully combines the traditional with the modern as its 18th Century red brick exterior gives way to a clean and airy contemporary interior. Located on the corner of Walsworth and Verulam Roads in Hitchin's historic Victorian triangle, it is only five minutes away from the rail station and a ten minute drive from nearby Letchworth.

Much more than your standard gastro pub, The Radcliffe Arms is open every day from 8am, serving honest-to-goodness British fare in a warm and friendly atmosphere whether it be a hearty English breakfast that sets you up for the day, a laidback lunch with old friends or an intimate dinner for two. As well as three restaurant areas, guests can also while away the evening in the newly restored bar with open fire or sitting on the terrace which offers heated parasols for nippy evenings.
 
The talented kitchen team led by head chef James Nicholas has developed menus to cater to all tastes. The seasonal à la carte menu offers freshly cooked dishes that never disappoint, expect to find tempting starters such as terrine of chicken and bacon with pistachios and shallots, blade of beef with truffled mushrooms, crispy goat's cheese parcel or butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds. The main courses offer classics such as English lamb rump with minted spring peas, char grilled rib eye steak with roast tomatoes, roast chicken breast with cabbage and bacon, and Cornish sea bream with king prawns.

Dishes such as tiger prawns with pickled ginger and cucumber salad, slow cooked pork with Asian spices and bok choi and spinach and feta spanokopitta give the menu a contemporary touch. For Sunday lunch guests can look forward to roast beef, pot roast chicken breast, swordfish steak, roast pork or honey roast gammon with all the trimmings. Desserts of apple tart with caramel sauce, sticky carrot cake with stem ginger ice cream, chocolate and orange torte with crème Chantilly and white chocolate and raspberry mille fuille indulge the sweet tooth and round off the meal fabulously.

Food aside, The Radcliffe Arms also features an excellent wine menu with classics such as a crisp La Colombe Chablis rubbing shoulders with bold modern varieties such as the La Cote Flamenc Picpoul de Pinet. The list also offers an impressive 28 wines available by the glass including flavourful Cabernet Sauvignons, a subtle Pinot Noir from New Zealand and a smooth Grand Reserva Rioja from Spain. The well-stocked bar possesses real ales and beers and is where locals and visitors gather in a typical buzzy atmosphere with friendly staff adding to the positive vibe.

As well as creating special menus for Valentine's Day, Mothering Sunday and Christmas, the Radcliffe Arms can also host your special occasions be it a family birthday or a work party, with catering available for up to 30 seated guests or a buffet for 45. Their Website will tell you more and keep you up to date with events.

The Red Lion, in the picturesque Sussex village of Handcross, is the perfect blend of idyllic country retreat and contemporary gastro pub, and is ideal for a quick lunchtime bite, an intimate dinner or a leisurely Sunday lunch. Close to the well-heeled commuter towns of Haywards Heath and Horsham, between London and Brighton, it is no surprise to learn that the pub was once a coaching inn and has played host to Admiral Horatio Nelson himself.
 
Beautifully refurbished, the pub's striking interior continues the mélange of rustic and modern as original timber beams and wooden floors rub shoulders with banquette seating, faux animal skin barstools and framed modern art prints.

This unwavering attention to detail is also discernible in the Red Lion's modern British menu which offers a range of traditional pub favourites, freshly made pizzas and pasta dishes as well as daily specials which showcase the culinary passion of the kitchen team. This pursuit of excellence is a seam that runs through everything they do from the menu of seasonal dishes, made with market fresh locally sourced produce, to the drinks menu which boasts 'the best Gin and Tonic in the World' and tempting aperitivos such as a Flirtini or Frisky Bison.

Suitably enlivened diners can then head through to the light and airy restaurant area to enjoy starters that could include a mouth-watering button mushroom bourguignon with stirata Romana rustic bread or a homemade pork rilette with pear, balsamic and date chutney and toast also whets the appetite. Alternatively indulge in sharing plates such as a classic Mediterranean mezze of hummus, roasted vegetables, fregola, tzatziki, taramasalata and flatbreads.

The Red Lion confounds expectations once more with a pizza range that sees tried and true classic stone-baked margheritas or Sicilianas sharing the page with more exotic toppings such as luganega sausage with spinach, goat's cheese and pine nuts; or luxurious smoked salmon and prawn with courgette, lemon crème fraiche, horseradish and rocket.

Comforting pub favourites include fillet steak garni, freshly battered fish and chips or classic burgers with a host of extras including chorizo, bacon or flat mushroom. But this is not standard pub grub and guests can also choose to go Mediterranean with gastronomic delights such as tiger prawn linguini with crab and chorizo or slow roasted pork lasagne. The international flavours don't end there either with globe-trotting dishes of chicken and chorizo in a piri piri sauce or crispy duck in a hoisin and plum sauce.

Desserts are some of the best you'll encounter with marmalade and orange blossom mascarpone; bourbon and raisin pudding with vanilla ice cream, banana cheesecake with toffee sauce and chocolate ice cream and warm brownie with vanilla ice cream and dark chocolate sauce. Alternatively there is a selection of local cheeses to set the buffs alight.

The Red Lion delights going over and above the standards you'd expect to find in your common or garden gastropub, yes you'll find locally sourced produce on the menu and dishes prepared with passion and attention to detail. But go beyond the admittedly excellent a la carte menu and the pub really shows its mettle.

Enjoy a whopping 50% off a bottle of red wine when you order a 21-day old steak as part of the weekly Steak and Wine Supper night every Wednesday. Sparkling Thursdays bring a discount on bubbly (and a complementary glass of Pimms Royale) and the Rothschild Supper Club offers two diners two courses and a bottle of prestigious Rothschild champagne for just £40.

More information can be found on their Website.

The Tudor Rose located in Coulsdon, near Croydon, is the sort of place that gives gastropubs a good name. With its welcoming and well presented exterior as an immediate invitation, inside it is a delight of carefully chosen colours that stroke the psyche of its customers and create the relaxation and pleasure that go with good taste and hands on management.

Plenty of wood and leather creates warmth and luxury, and nothing is neglected, be it tasteful menu holders or well balanced lighting. This is a gastropub that is created for the convenience and enjoyment of its guests as a primary objective.

With a menu that is predominantly modern British, a Mediterranean influence can also be detected , and all dishes are seasonally motivated. Choices are impressive and a large range carries the conviction that is not always a part of extensive menus.

The Tuidor Rose is all about sociability and sharing plates are an indispensable aid in boosting this amiable quality; look for the antipasti of stuffed peppers, salamis, rocket, green chillies and warm warm flatbread as you consider the menu, sip a cocktail and generally unwind.

Warm Mediterranean trends exert their presence with asparagus, Serrano ham and crispy poached egg, and Goan chicken and bacon skewers with onion and coconut salad is superb. A stilton and spiced pear tart with rocket, red wine and hazelnut vinaigrette, or duck rillette with rhubarb and ginger chutney and wholemeal toast are early indications of skills at work in the kitchen.

Fancy a stonebaked pizza? No problem, choose from six options that includes smoked salmon, or a gamberetti full of the flavour of the sea. Nor are salads forgotten, there are choices and seared beef with beetroot, orange, fresh horseradish and watercress with shaved parmesan can be taken either as a starter or main course, as can many other pre-dishes.

Let's assume you bypass the linguini, one of four selections from the pasta list, before moving on to a truly generous array of main dishes where lamb rack with chorizo, peas, bacon, spinach and minted potatoes competes with roasted salmon with cauliflower and coriander fritter and pineapple salsa, beer battered haddock and River Exe mussels and clams marinière amongst others. An impressive harvest of side dishes make the most of field and garden.

A galaxy of puddings goes for the jugular with sticky toffee pudding, a spiced apple caramel crumble, or a plum and frangipane tart with lemon mascarpone; farmhouse cheeses abound and there's a Warre?s Optima 10 years old tawny port to go with it, if the spirit moves that way.

The Great British Roast makes an impressive appearance on Sundays, accompanied by log fires in season, Sunday newspapers, Bloody Marys and leather sofas. Just bliss. However the weekend starts early at The George - Thursday to be precise, when all day they offer crisp, fresh Prosecco and house champagne at unbelievably bargain prices. Not for nothing is it referred to as Sparkling Thursday.

On weekdays a great value prix fixe menu is available lunch and early evening until 7pm, Monday to Friday, with a choice of two or three courses.

The wine list has been selected to inspire and excites even the most experienced topers. Try the Chassagne Montrachet, Premier Cru Burgundy or a rather striking Bodegas VQ Merlot Rose, from Spain.

Should you not be convinced by now that we are impressed with The Tudor Rose, check on their Website for further information - but there's nothing like firsthand experience. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.

The Trout at Lower Wolvercote has a strong literary heritage and has been immortalised in Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse novels. This connection runs much deeper with writers of the calibre of Lewis Carroll and CS Lewis, having sat on the banks of the Thames, inspired by the relentlessly moving waters. Truly, pubs such as The Trout are part of the very fabric of British life.

The wonderful setting by the bridge opens out into a large terrace overlooking the banks of the river. Taking a stroll alongside up to Point Meadow is a great way to spend an idyllic afternoon. The interiors too are not to be outdone and after being restored, the exquisite country pub has combined the traditional with the modern, stone fired ovens and real log fires vibe well with deep leather seating and teak furnishing to create a comfortable haven. The willow trees provide nature's umbrellas, giving shelter for al fresco dining.

Contemporary inns such as these usually share a number of characteristics. An important feature is space, preferably a restaurant where you are comfortable, not over-awed, and not sharing elbow space with the next table, however sociable they may be. Good, too, to have a roomy and well stocked bar where you can actually get served without undue delay. After all, drinking should be taken seriously. If a pub offers all of these, and is in a good location, there is little reason in today's economic climate why it should not flourish. The Warren, a real country pub dating from the 1850s, just outside Wokingham on the Forest Road, provides ample evidence that this is true.

But of course there are other factors, not least of which is the food and drink. The term 'gastropub' covers a multitude of blessings, and it is possible to see influences of brasserie, bistro, restaurant and even café at work within the great gastro umbrella. So expect to find no one single cuisine, but a blend designed to provide something for everybody, no matter what their treat may be. To catch the right note of contemporary sociability there are sharing plates, antipasti of Italian meats with dolcelatte, stuffed peppers, marinated vegetables and warm stone-baked flatbreads, or Mediterranean mezze of hummus, roasted vegetables, fregola, tzatziki, feta, spinach and ricotta pâté with warm flatbreads.

Amongst the appetisers there is always freshly made soup, lamb koftas, mint yoghurt, kohlrabi, cumin and carrot salad, or spiced crab with avocado, prawns, ginger and pink grapefruit. Look, too, for scallops of the day. The salads - sorry, that should read 'leaves' - offer pang pang chicken with pak choi, satay, cashew nuts and cucumber; for the seafood fiends some prawn, avocado, pecans, mango, bacon with orange and pomegranate vinaigrette are a real treat.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic margherita of pomodoro, mozzarella, oregano and basil, the rustica with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, goats' cheese and cherry tomatoes, or the piccante with pepperoni, chorizo, tomato and jalapeños. Pastas include bucatini with salmon, chilli, almonds, red pepper pesto, pecorino and rocket, or tagliatelle with slow cooked Bolognaise and parmesan.

The rotisserie dishes for hearty eaters are worth trying and choices include spit chicken, calves liver, rib-eye steak or fillet steak. These are all served with a choice from amongst frites, aioli, black pudding, cracked black pepper, béarnaise or red wine and shallot jus among others. For the big event the roast rump of lamb with sauce soubise, asparagus, pancetta, button onions and baby potatoes measures up well to any occasion. The smoked haddock fishcakes with curry Hollandaise, mango, tomato, coriander and red onion salad is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes Belgium chips and mayo, and cabbage, leeks and peas. From a list of attractive desserts choose between a Eton mess or apple, blackcurrant crumble and vanilla custard. There is also a selection of cheeses to please the gourmets.

More information, including full menus, is available on their Website.  Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.

Located in a former barn at Blindley Heath, a pleasant part of rural Surrey, The Red Barn is redolent of country and an easier pace, where the monthly farmers' market meets, a wide range of community garden parties are held, tasting events and cooking lessons, as well as sport events grip the imagination and Sunday Roasts are an institution.

One of John Clevely's masterly wine lists keeps abreast of the game and what is described as a "range of weird and wonderful beers" takes care of the inevitable thirst that must occur amidst all this activity. After all, shopping in a market can be a very thirst provoking occasion.

The menus are veritable habitats of delight and from Monday to Thursday a simple menu with some real brasserie style favourites holds sway between 5.30 and 7 pm. There's shepherd's pie with a creamy, cheesy mash top, and Savoy cabbage. Cumberland sausages and mash are served with caramelised onions, casserole of the day with chunky fresh bread. Backed up by say steamed syrup sponge and custard a man could last comfortably for 24 hours on this sort of tucker.

The Week Menu is a riot of dishes that all have instant eye appeal and if nothing else serve to set the juices flowing as one contemplates the relative merits of belly of Gloucester Old Spot with mustard mash, greens and cider gravy as against roast rib of Sussex beef for 2 to share, with triple cooked chips, pepper sauce and tomato salad, or smoked haddock kedgeree with curried sauce and a poached egg.

Meanwhile, direct from the Aga, that mainstay of country kitchens everywhere, there's slow cooked lamb shank with a root vegetable and white bean casserole. In season look for local game casserole with pheasant rabbit and partridge, creamy mash and red cabbage. Side orders yield homemade chips with sea salt, braised red cabbage and French fries.

Smaller dishes can be taken on their own or as starters and include smoked mackerel pate, melba toasts and caper relish, or a salad of maple cured bacon and roasted chicken with toasted walnuts and croutons. Can providence bring any more delights, yes, it can and if cherry and almond tart with cinnamon ice cream doesn't do it for you there are plenty more options of which dark chocolate fondue to share, marshmallows, strawberries and banana is but one. And, of course, a decent British cheese board with chutney and biscuits.

Based where they are there is plenty of demand for private hire, and The Red Barn is blessed with a wide variety of areas that can be hived off to accommodate parties of all sizes. For very large parties the marquee option is ever present. Be it a buffet, 4 course dinner or fantastic hog roast, give them a spec and just leave it to them.

Their cheerful Website will tell you all about the current menus, forthcoming events as well as the local gossip. This is a fun and friendly place that invites attention.

The Inn On The Lake has been a part of Godalming life since the 1930s. Initially a family run hotel, it has seen many changes over the years and has metamorphosed into a stylish country and dining pub. This has given it a contemporary feel and has brightened things up while retaining its focus on great food, warm service and a wonderful atmosphere.

The Inn now boasts a large but cosy bar area where you can feel at home on the comfy leather couches around several original open fire places. It serves a range of European lagers and real ales as well as a diverse wine list that will suit all tastes. No matter what your preference is, you should enjoy the warm welcome served with every round.

The wine list also offers a great range of champagnes to suit all tastes and pockets making it a great place for a celebration, birthday or anniversary. Treat yourself to a glass of bubbly to begin a wonderful evening there. The comfortable dining area has natural colour and luxurious furniture giving it an 'at home feel'. The décor is surpassed only by the menu.

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, antipasti of cured meats, dolcelatte, roasted vegetables, parmesan, rocket, stuffed peppers, green chillies and baked flat bread, or Greek mezze of taramasalata with red pepper humus, tzatziki, feta and flatbreads. Amongst the starters, expect to find freshly made soup, sake cured salmon with wasabi crème fraîche and pickled ginger, or fennel with chilli crusted squid, pineapple and coriander salsa.

The salads offer pang pang chicken, Asian greens, satay, cashew nuts and cucumber, and for the seafood enthusiasts some prawn, avocado, spinach, watercress, crispy bacon and garlic dressing tends to please. These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; look for a classic margherita of tomato, mozzarella, oregano and basil, the rustica with roasted vegetables, goats' cheese, tomatoes and rocket, or a Siciliana with Serrano ham, roast artichoke, olives and mozzarella. For the big event there are choices such as calves' liver with sweet potato, beetroot gratin and watercress or sea bass fillets with stuffed Romano peppers, caponata, pesto and baby new potatoes.

The classic burger, which has risen from the confines of fast food chains, carves a niche for itself on the menu and comes with gherkin, mustard mayo, cheese and frites. A wide range of supporting dishes include tomato, rocket and mozzarella, and cabbage, leeks and peas. Desserts are some of the best you'll encounter with apple and frangipane gallette and Cognac ice cream, and there is also a selection of local cheeses to set the buffs alight.

The gardens at the Inn On  The Lake are one of the building's best features, offering seating for up to 200 with 120 people able to eat there.

Take advantage of the tranquil setting overlooking the water to enjoy a summer lunch or make use of the well lit, heated patio area for an evening out. The Inn is open all day making it a great setting to while away a summer afternoon with a few drinks. If you have more time on your hands than that or have driven any distance to visit Godalming then why not stay a night or two. The Inn On The Lake provides a number of en-suite bedrooms where on the outskirts of the quiet village you can't help but leave feeling fully rested!

The Inn On The Lake has always been a beautiful building with elegant features like the fireplaces and the garden. However, the recent re-launch has hit on the perfect combination of quality food, quality people and great décor to create somewhere it's a real pleasure to spend time at; why not find out more on their Website? Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.

The Hand and Sceptre offers a contemporary country dining experience in a relaxing and friendly environment. The pub dates back to 1728 and was named in honour of George Newhand, the original landlord. The building is wonderfully restored, incorporating the values of traditional pub hospitality with a modern design.

The ambience is simple and trendy, with seating at the bar within the restaurant or al fresco, in the shade of the huge umbrellas. The wine list has an even balance of New and Old World with a variety of styles to choose from different beers as well as over fifteen wines available by the glass.

The choices are simple with lots of tempting steaks, spit roasted meats, salads and pastas. To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, antipasti of Italian meats, dolcelatte, marinated vegetables and warm stone-baked flatbreads, or Mediterranean mezze of hummus, roasted vegetables, fregola, tzatziki, feta, spinach and ricotta pâté with flatbreads.

Amongst the appetisers there is freshly made soup; lamb koftas, mint yoghurt, kohlrabi, cumin and carrot salad, or dolcelatte and pear tart with red onion marmalade. Look, too, for scallops in the specials section.

The salads offer chargrilled chicken, courgette, fennel, apple, asparagus, hazelnut and balsamic dressing; for the seafood fiends some prawn and avocado with mango, bacon, orange and pomegranate vinaigrette appeal.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic margherita of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pomodoro and basil, the rustica with roasted Mediterranean vegetables, goats' cheese and cherry tomatoes, or the piccante with pepperoni, chorizo, tomato and jalapeños.

Pastas include linguini with tiger prawns, crab, chorizo, chilli, tomato and white wine, or tagliatelle with slow cooked Bolognaise and parmesan. For the big event there is always roast rump of lamb with sauce soubise, asparagus, pancetta, button onions and baby potatoes. Battered haddock, frites, tartare sauce and minted mushy peas is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating. Salmon, crab and chorizo fishcakes, roasted sweetcorn with cherry tomato salsa is worth trying too. For hearty eaters there are rib eye and fillet steaks or blackened cod fillet with egg noodles, pak choi, mango and chilli salsa.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes carrot, cumin, orange and chilli salad, and cabbage, leeks and peas. For desserts choose between an apple, blackcurrant crumble and vanilla custard and, sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream. There is also a selection of cheeses to set the buffs alight.

More information, including full menus, is available on their Website. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings. 

The Malmaison group of hotels has established throughout Britain a collection of centres of excellence where nothing but the best will do. As a concept alone this is exciting, but the reality is brilliant, so that at last there is a hotel group where uniformity of standards is of the same high calibre. Malmaison Reading follows the well-established Malmaison trend in establishing their hotels in buildings of interesting styles and location, and the erstwhile Great Western Rail Hotel has been transformed into a stunning boutique hotel offering a luxurious refuge. Inside, there's a dark, stylish interior, innovative design, unusual artwork and lots of hints to remind you of the building's history. 

The bedrooms are all that one would expect from a hotel that has genuine regard for its guests and is concerned with every aspect of their wellbeing. There are five stylish rail themed suites, while artwork inspired by the Great Western Railway can be seen on the walls. At the brasserie, the mood definitely veers towards comfort and elegance where the exposed walls and ceilings lend a rustic appeal and the beautiful glass wine cellar adds immensely to the style quotient.

Amidst elegant surroundings, with spotless gleaming glassware and shining cutlery, an essentially brasserie menu is offered, where lovers of seafood will be delighted to note that their particular needs are well heeded, starting with a delightful moules marinières.

Head Chef Andrew Holmes and his team bring to the table typical brasserie dishes such as treacle cured salmon and soft boiled quail egg served with toasted rye bread that have always been popular choices, and can be taken here as a starter or a main course. Monkfish with chorizo and butter beans rarely fails to please, and the same holds true for the pot roast chicken and sage dumplings.

An inspired choice amongst the main courses is the baked hazelnut and parmesan crusted cod with cockles and mussels while the beef bourguignon is another enticing option. Which leads us neatly to the - wait for it - Mal burger, a 250 gram burger made from ground beef tucked into a floured bap to join bacon and gruyere, served with homemade relish and some fries.

Over the years the number of outriders surrounding a good honest steak on the plate has grown to unacceptable dimensions. At Malmaison the thought and care is centred on the dry-aged bone rump and that's it - except for the chips. If you want all the rest go for the side dishes, but steak and chips on its own takes some beating. Vegetarians are well looked after - the pumpkin and gorgonzola filled gnocchi sounded appealing.

Heading the desserts is the sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce, a triumph of timing and co-ordination, supported by other choices amongst which expect to find a chocolate pithivier with clotted cream. Their homemade ice creams and sorbets are dreamy while the renowned cheese trolley has a selection of British and French farmhouse cheeses served with an assortment of breads, biscuits and chutney.

A wine list that draws from all the major wine-growing areas is a symphony of its kind, clearly compiled by an enthusiast who knows his wines well enough not to disappear into a world of hyperbole when describing them.

Their Website is a wealth of information that will, I predict, only serve to increase your resolve to make Malmaison your next stop in Reading. It is worth noting that you can also make reservations Online on their Website.