Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

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.

glo's restaurant at Walton on Thames has introduced a much welcomed brand of pleasurable eating to this pleasant and prosperous western suburb of London. Whatever the purpose of your call at glo, winding down with colleagues after a brusque day or just enjoying the company of friends, here you will find an upbeat and romantic environment to set your evening in motion before dining in the chic restaurant.

The signature cocktails are the perfect way to go, perhaps starting with one of the six listed martinis, before going on to classic longs, sparklers or shooters. Driving? Then select from one of their four non-alcoholic varieties.

An international menu offers many interesting choices, and they recommend sharing food for maximum pleasure, although many do not wish to do this. Dim sum is a speciality so look out for pork and prawn siu mai, hoi sin duck, and scallop and shiitake mushroom dumplings amongst the steamed.

That old favourite duck spring roll leads off the crispy dim sum, cashew and prawn dumplings represent the new wave and vegetarian spring rolls are pure melt in the mouth. Starters include mushrooms with gorgonzola and coriander, Thai crab cakes and hoisin duck pancakes.

They also have an interesting selection of noodles, and pesto and coriander, Thai green and kung po are amongst them. Nowadays you seem to be never less than ten metres from a pizza, and glo is on the mark once again giving a new dimension to this much loved Italian invention, all served with a unique house tomato base and lightly sprinkled with Asian spices, the hoi sin duck or Thai spicy pepperoni are highly recommended.

The grills are equally spectacular with Thai BBQ ribs and whole poussin chicken, manuka rump steak, and pesto lemongrass chicken skewers. Whilst exploring your way through the dessert menu you might encounter a chocolate box, or ice cream money bags, hot and crisp on the outside with creamy Asian ice cream on the inside, topped with warm manuka honey.

The taste in wines is eclectic and not so large as to be thoroughly confusing. Several are by the glass and all under £20. glo stays open until 2am and as a refuge for the restless night hawks it could hardly be bettered. Their smart Website will tell you more. Only one thing left to say - enjoy! It is even open for breakfast from 9 am every day.

The Inn on the Green and the Green Rooms present a pretty picture, an ancient inn, on the old Roman road from the coast to Dorking, offering well-presented classic English food in surroundings that are forever England, with menus that keep pace with the seasons. It perpetuate all that is good about the village inn, without in any way inhibiting its reaction to change, where clam chowder could replace brown Windsor soup but the villagers' dogs are still welcome, and stories of local ghosts are regarded with interest rather than disdain.

Accommodation in the form of six comfortably furnished en suite rooms, the design and fitting out of which has obviously been carefully thought through from the customer's point of view, enables weekend breaks against a background of excellent food, and a welcoming base for business clients after a hard day in the area. The full English breakfast makes a challenging start to any day, and less demanding options are also available.

There is of course a knack to all this, and it's called good management, linked with the vision thing, and it starts in the car park from whence it pervades the whole place. The result is an inn that claims loyalties and affections in great quantity. Owners Paul and Gwyneth preside over this well run piece of human theatre, ensuring that good friendly service is always to hand, that fresh local produce gets priority in the kitchens, and the menu is always up to scratch.

The advent of talented chefs, creating what Paul refers to as 'a really fantastic team in the kitchen', heralded changes in the menus. However the modern trend towards simpler, more recognisable homemade food, made to order where possible, has not been forgotten, and a certain well-known TV chef would feel at home here. There is a strong emphasis on local produce and suppliers.

Starters are likely to be offering a soup of the day, minted lamb kofta kebab, and deep fried breaded brie served with cranberry compote and mixed leaf garnish.

Main courses are built round a chicken/fish/meat/vegetarian plan, starting with chicken fajitas that could have just dropped in from an upmarket cantina in El Paso. No British menu is complete without traditional fish and chips, served here battered and with traditional chips, peas and homemade tartare sauce.

Should you be feeling a touch fragile and undernourished go without hesitation for the New Zealand shoulder of lamb, or sesame seed crusted tuna steak served with crispy noodles, bok choi, soy sauce and wasabi.

Amongst the attractive and well presented desserts is the pear frangipane tart, not forgetting the traditional Eton mess meringue with strawberries, cream and strawberry coulis. A choice of some 17 wines offers sensible options and a heart-warming mark-up that makes contemplation of a second bottle virtually unavoidable.

The Green Rooms is perfect for parties of up to 76 people seated or buffets for 100 and everything can be tailored for your needs.Their attractive and colourful Website offers details of events at the inn, corporate bookings, attractions and accommodation and takes only a brief time to check out.

The George, located in the Hayes area of Bromley 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 George is all about sociability and sharing plates are an indispensable aid in boosting this amiable quality; look for the antipasti of stuffed peppers, salamis, parmesan, rocket, green chillies and warm stone-baked flatbread as you consider the menu, sip a cocktail or two and generally unwind.

Warm Mediterranean trends exert their presence with asparagus, Serrano ham and crispy poached egg, and Goan spiced mackerel with kachumber salad is superb. A Stilton and spiced pear tart with rocket, red wine and hazelnut vinaigrette, or smoked salmon served unusually with bubble and squeak and Hollandaise are early indications of skills at work in the kitchen.

Fancy a pizza? No problem, choose from six options that includes crispy duck, 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 linguine, one of four selections from the pasta list, before moving on to a truly generous array of main dishes where ginger beer braised belly pork and roasted sweet potato, with spiced jus competes for attention with roast guinea fowl, beer battered haddock and roasted rack of lamb 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 Warres 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 Rothschild Pauillac, said to be the pouring wine at Buckingham Palace, or a rather striking Bodegas VQ Merlot Rose, specially blended for the pub by one of their wine suppliers.

Should you not be convinced by now that we are impressed with The George, 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 Oat Sheaf located in Fleet, 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 Oat Sheaf 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 stone-baked flatbread as you consider the menu, sip a cocktail or two 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 Oat Sheaf - 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 Oat Sheaf, 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.

Starting life as the village inn, this handsome building dates back to the 17th century and still retains its original oak beams and inglenook fireplace with a bread oven, features which permeate the two dining rooms, one of which opens on to its own private enclosed sun deck with full cover marquee. There is a comfortable lounge with bar for pre or after meal drinks. There is something rather special about having the option to move outside for post prandial coffee and drinks and both dining rooms are available for exclusive private functions or conferences.

Speculation that the name Cornfields implies a rural setting would be entirely met. Located in the heart of the Bedfordshire countryside, but only a mere ten minutes from the county town of Bedford, or St Neots, with its pleasant waterside setting by the River Ouse, Cornfields is surrounded by recreational activities, with a clay target complex, golf courses, horse riding, a butterfly park and a wealth of historic sites.

Who does not love hotels that not only get everything right, but ensure that their dining room is par excellence, and so it is with Cornfields. The feeling as you enter is of embarking upon an enjoyable experience in the house of friends you really value, with the result that you already have that comfortable sensation which seems to tweak the gastric juices just a little more than usual.

A starter of stilton, walnut and bacon fritters with redcurrant and port sauce does nothing to dispel this view, and the confit of duck in a filo parcel on oriental salad with sesame oil is particularly good. Seared Scottish scallops on pea and mint puree with Parma ham provide a simple dish of integrity, and for those who have never given up on the habit there is often the most dreamy cream of mushroom soup - comfort food of a high order, and why not?

In season a roasted guinea fowl supreme on a potato rösti with wild mushroom sauce makes for an indulgent dish. Barbary duck breast with plum compote and Pinot Noir sauce creates an interesting flavour blend, and in the view of some pose a definite challenge to even the medallions of Aberdeen Angus beef, served with caramelised shallots and red wine gravy.

Desserts lend themselves to a frivolous approach, tinged with some classicism, and Cornfields rises well to the occasion with an apricot and sultana bread and butter pudding, served with apricot sauce and pouring cream, or the ever faithful crème brûlée. Their selection of cheese is not only commendable but also well presented and cared for. How refreshing to find a restaurant where the coffee is not measured out to the last grain - unlimited supplies here of an excellent Italian blend, accompanied by handmade petit fours.

The wine list displays an open-ness of mind that is commendable. Prices are sensible, with real quality wine by the bottle or glass. There is a scattering of half bottles, something we don't see enough of in these days of more controlled drinking.

Five well equipped, spacious and comfortable bedrooms are tastefully decorated, leaving nothing to chance. All rooms have king size beds, en suite baths and showers, television and radio alarm clocks, direct dial telephones, trouser press and tea and coffee making facilities. Each room is furnished in a different style and all have views out over the open countryside.

Menus vary frequently for all the right reasons, so do not hesitate to get an update by clicking on their excellent straightforward and informative 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 Royal Saracens Head, an eighteenth century free house, is situated in the attractive town of Beaconsfield and offers its customers a comfortable experience combined with warm hospitality. The original site is believed to have been a tavern as far back as the 12th century and was reputed to be a regular haunt of Richard I. The results of refurbishment are clearly visible in its trendy ambience - stripped wooden artefacts, large mirrors and stylish lighting.

The menu is simple but up-to-the-minute with lots of comfort appeal and offers homely dishes like pizza, steaks and pasta as well as ones with more contemporary, global touches, all delivered by friendly and cheerful staff. Their wine list contains well known favourites alongside more unusual numbers from around the world.

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, garlic pizzette, caramelised onion and rocket, a box baked camembert with stiratta romagna and home made tomato jam.

Amongst the starters, there is freshly made soup, sardines on bruschetta with red onion, plum tomato and gremolata or water melon with prosciutto ham and feta with chilli ice cream. Look, too, for scallops of the day. The salads - sorry, that should read 'leaves' - offer crispy duck with mouli, hoisin, carrots, spring onions and plum sauce, for the seafood fiends some prawn, avocado, pecan, mango, watercress, bacon with orange and pomegranate vinaigrette.

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

Pastas include linguini with tiger prawns, crab, chorizo, chilli, tomato and white wine, or strozzapreti of fresh tomato, goats' cheese, spinach, pine nuts and raisins. For the big event there is always Indian spiced salmon fillet with wilted spinach and sweet potato with aubergine and mango chutney.

The roast rump of lamb with sauce soubise, asparagus, pancetta, button onions and baby potatoes is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating. There is a lovely spit chicken with lemon, garlic, thyme and frites, as well as calves liver, tray baked potatoes, red onion and bacon with sage panagrattato.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes green salad, Belgian frites and mayo, and cabbage, leeks and peas. For desserts choose between Eton mess or apple, blackcurrant crumble and vanilla custard. 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 Plough in Eynsford is a warm, elegant riverside pub and eating house located just off Station Road, on the banks of the Darent. The grassy playground area by the river becomes packed with children enjoying themselves during fine weather. Whilst in more inclement times customers can relax in front of log fires and enjoy real ales in the pub's comfortable and informal atmosphere.

The Plough's menu is contemporary with lots of tempting homely dishes - to set the right note of fashionable 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 is 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 crispy duck, mouli, carrots, hoisin, spring onions, watercress and plum sauce, and for the seafood fiends some prawn, avocado, pecans, mango, bacon, orange and pomegranate vinaigrette is received with enthusiasm.

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; spaghetti with spit chicken, spring onions and blue cheese pesto, 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.

The calves liver with tray baked potatoes, red onion, bacon and sage panagrattato is popular, a sign of the times and improved taste in eating. Smoked haddock fishcakes with curry Hollandaise, mango, tomato, coriander and red onion salad is a popular choice too. The rotisserie dishes for hearty eaters are well worth trying and choices include spit chicken with lemon, garlic, thyme and frites.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes Belgium chips and mayo, and cabbage, leeks and peas. For desserts choose between Eton mess or limoncello posset with Langues de Chat biscuits. The selection of cheeses is likely to set the buffs alight.

Their bar stocks different beers on tap ranging from continental lagers to European speciality beers as well as ales. For those celebrating a special occasion there are champagnes at reasonable prices. The wine list has an even balance of New and Old World wines with a variety of styles to choose from.

Their excellent Website will keep you up to date on any changes. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.

We hear a great deal about recycling these days - du Vin recycles attractive but occasionally un-loved buildings to restore real gems in the best tradition of British understated style.

Complement that with all that is best in the French bistro ethos, bars that reach out to please, and you have a setting that provides an inspirational background for people to meet, do business, get married, provide a base for golf or fishing, somewhere you can call your own for a private celebration, a spa or - most engagingly - a wine school that breaks the mould.

Think quintessential British style - elegant and unpretentious. Combine this with a great spirit, wit, and an unquestionable devotion to wine, and you have captured the essence of Hotel du Vin.

In Winchester, Hotel du Vin is a unique luxury boutique hotel set in the heart of this historic capital of ancient Wessex. Housed in the distinctive architecture of one of Winchester's most notable Georgian buildings dating back to 1715, it is also the smallest and original du Vin, first opened in 1994, with 24 exquisite bedrooms and suites. Every room has handsprung mattresses, fine Egyptian linen, deep baths, power showers and high speed wireless internet access.

The 2 AA Rosette bistro is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and offers a menu rooted in classic European cuisine with a contemporary edge. Their Head Chef introduces notes of originality by adding his own selections daily, all supporting the overall philosophy of using the finest and freshest local produce, cooked simply and priced sensibly.

From a choice of six starters expect to find devil lamb kidneys on brioche, roasted quail with mushroom duxelle and cep sauce, crayfish and dill crouton with basil dressing or fillet of mackerel with slow roast cherry tomatoes and aged balsamic. The simple classics menu embraces both starters and main courses; for the former look also for Uig Lodge smoked salmon, or the ever faithful moules marinières. Amongst the main courses cast an eye for the classic fish pie, a real juicy beauty, moist but packed with goodness and topped off with crisp cheese.

Other main courses delight customers with a whole plaice and beurre noisette, roast loin of cod with bok choi and prawn bisque, or braised ham hock with pea puree and cider velouté.

Whilst one might argue that the whole point of being in a du Vin is to snuggle up to the wine list, this list is designed to march with the food and can only be described as superb. With a team of three sommeliers, headed here by Yohann Jousselin, there is no room for anything but the best. Service is telepathic in the best possible sense.

Click on their Website for full information and rates. Hotel du Vin, with fourteen options throughout Britain, awaits your call.