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hand picked restaurants

Start with a cocktail, say a bourbon cookie, cosmopolitan or a parson green apple before tackling some food that will vary from pub to pub. There are bar meals, try lime and coriander chicken in Didsbury, or a more formal approach in restaurant style, what about 21 day hung, 10 oz British sirloin steak in Mayfair, with homemade chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce in Birmingham. In general the menus are very similar, with plenty of choices all round.

There are now over twenty five branches of Pitcher and Piano where you can be assured of the same decent levels of food and drinks, service and quality. Surely that's better than the lucky dip approach?

This seems to be the West Country's answer to a Gastrodome, comprising of so many outlets under one roof: you can enjoy a flute of champagne in the Moët et Chandon Champagne Bar; a full à la carte meal in the Michael Caines Restaurant; a freshly baked croissant or gourmet sandwich in the Café Bar, or a pint and pub lunch in The Well House Tavern.

Whilst it would be uncharitable to ignore the steady and continuing star-studded rise of Michael Caines - he is best known for being Head Chef at the Michelin starred Gidleigh Park since 1994 - there are so many other superlatives that belong to this operation. For instance, the view from the smart dining room of Exeter's ancient Cathedral in all its floodlit glory. In his introduction, Michael Caines mentions his hope that people from all walks may be able to eat at his restaurant - would that this was so, but I fear that Mr and Mrs Average might find themselves a trifle stretched.

Be that as it may, what is on offer is truly excellent and for those who like well-hung game the pheasant with lentil stuffing and black pudding is an experience to remember. The wine list offers a wide choice and four house wines at £16.00 are good value.

Centrally located on Queen Street, Exeter Sausage and Grill has a contemporary warm and rustic style to it. Downstairs there's a chic and stylish cocktail and wine bar - Below 44 - where you can relax and enjoy a drink with friends in a luxurious and classy setting.

Time and care are taken in sourcing quality ingredients, with utmost attention to detail and balance. The cooking is essentially Modern British with a strong focus on sausages and steaks, as you may have guessed. Consider pork, black pudding and smoked bacon, duck and orange, and pork and nettle amongst them. Other choices worth trying include rump, rib-eye, flat iron, onglet and fillet steaks served with homemade triple cooked chips, and a selection of chef's specials. You could also try ham hock terrine, garlic and herb woodland mushrooms and home oak smoked chicken breast.

For a classic close choose between sticky toffee pudding with caramel sauce and real vanilla ice cream, or a warm white and dark chocolate brownie.

Having celebrated its Michelin Guide recommendation for the second time, the fresh approach adopted by Angela's is indeed very appealing and diners in New Bridge, Exeter seem to have discovered this wonderful restaurant with much enthusiasm. Everything that is served there is prepared using local produce and the atmosphere is splendid. Menu choices are simple and never overwhelming while portions are adequate and filling.

In the evening, expect to begin with starters of hand picked Exmouth white crab meat with orange served on a salad with ginger dressing and follow it with a main course of steamed trio of fish with sorrel butter or fillet of Ruby Red beef with a banana shallot and port sauce. There is an excellent local cheeseboard on offer and amongst desserts choose a raspberry cheesecake with lemon cream meringue or dark and white chocolate cheesecake with coffee bean and vanilla cream. End with coffee and handmade chocolate truffles for a truly delightful experience.