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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?

Its traditional country pub exterior and modem stylish interiors make the Puffing Billy the archetypal modern British restaurant serving traditional British food with a twist. Located in historic Exton, in Station Road, this charming restaurant is the place to enjoy fresh local produce, quality fare that is served unpretentiously. Sit outside enjoying the summer sunshine or relax indoors comfortably.

For starters, choose ham hock with pea and mint puree, caramelized apple and fennel tarte tatin, mackerel tartare with tomato and basil jelly or share an antipasti plate. For mains there's seared local lamb liver with crisp smoked bacon, crisp local belly of pork with fondant potato, free range chicken breast stuffed with local asparagus and wrapped with Parma ham, pan roasted sea trout fillet, braised short rib of beef and more. Indulge the sweet tooth with desserts like chocolate and cointreau tart, vanilla pannacotta or honey parfait or relish a cheese platter with Godminster organic cheddar, Cornish smokey and Devon blue. The bar serves a range of ales including Otter, Exmoor and Teignworthy and fine Italian and South African wines.

Famed for the beauty of its canal-side setting, the Double Locks also offers an imposing range of real ales, kicking off with Old Bastard and other much-revered relations such as Budvar and Beamish Black. It has to be said that the consumption of suitable quantities of respected long drinks is a primary concern here, but the wisdom of a sound base upon which to deposit the stuff is not neglected. A wide range of tasty snacks and meals is there to do the trick and the odd glimpse of a bottle of wine is not unknown, should you be brave enough.

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.

With new owners and a fresh new image the Twisted Oak at Ide is now the place to be seen. With the best locally sourced produce at the right price, each dish is cooked to order by the kitchen, whilst the front of house staff provide a friendly, professional service.

A great deal of time has been spent on devising their menu which caters for all tastes, incorporating classic pub favourites and more imaginative dishes with influences from around the globe, as well as their blackboard with seasonal specials and fresh locally caught fish.

The wine list is well balanced and complements the menu with a good selection available by the glass, they also always serve a local real ale.