Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

For some time I made the mistake of thinking that no group of restaurants in the region of 200 locations could hope to maintain the quality for which I was looking.

Then one day I decided to put my prejudices to the test, walked into Oxford Ask! and discovered that I could not have been more mistaken. Their claim to serve freshly prepared quality food in stylish and comfortable surroundings with friendly and efficient service proved to be absolutely spot on.

Since then I have also discovered that a degree of consistency seems to operate throughout their restaurants, and that certainly does take some achieving, implying a degree of management that is enviable. They are perfect places for an impromptu snack, a bit of culinary grazing, or the full works, and families are catered for particularly well.

Their trendy décor usually comprises tiled floors and black furniture with well set tables that sparkle with glass, silver and spotless linen. Ten starters include crostini and bruschetta, followed by a range of salads, pasta and al forno, oven baked pasta, some with chicken.

The pizzas are stone baked in the oven, creating a crisp, authentic and delicious flavour, and they all come topped with mozzarella and tomato. Calzone introduce a touch of opulence with a folded pizza baked in the oven and topped with garlic butter and melted grana padano, whilst inside expect to find chicken or a vegetarian mix.

Amongst the specials may I warmly, in every sense, recommend the polpette al forno, a popular Milanese dish of beef meatballs sautéed in garlic with fire roasted peppers, caramelised onions, chilli and pomodoro sauce, with penne pasta, topped with cheese and oven baked.

An enticing selection of desserts list banoffee pie and tiramisu amongst them, and the coffee tastes like coffee, which may sound banal, but I guess you know what I mean.

Thanks to a well selected wine list speculative drinking can offer handsome dividends, even with prices rarely crossing the £20 barrier.

The Kings Arms is special because it dates back to the 15th century - its age has blessed it with features modern pubs die to possess - rambling gardens, roaring fires, oak and stone floors, beamed ceilings and deep armchairs that make it a wonderful place to unwind in the heart of the Mendips.

Whether it's a quick pint or a three-course meal, a warm welcome awaits all who visit this admirable country pub. Look out for garden barbeques in the summer.

Start with wild mushroom soup or a plate of Cornish sardines, parsley and lemon, before moving on to simple yet delightful braised beef, carrots and mash; grilled blue fin tuna, roast red pepper, cherry tomato and rocket or consider sharing spring lamb rump, Anya potatoes and salsa verde.

Sticky toffee pudding or Eton mess seems ideal to end a satisfying gastronomic journey at the Kings Arms. There are real ales, traditional tipples and wines, so pop in, and grab a spot by one of the fireplaces. You'll enjoy the experience!

Wookey Hole Inn may seem like a conventional pub from the outside but step in and splashes of colour and Mediterranean tastes beckon. The walled garden, with bamboos, grass and herbs, resonates with a festive atmosphere at night with live musicians playing away and sculptures standing calmly in the backdrop.

The seasonal menu is amply supported by regularly changing board specials and the appetisers feature a spread of Thai style fishcakes with rosemary chilli jam and turmeric yogurt, and roasted red pepper and vine tomato soup. Corn-fed supreme of chicken baked over merguez sausages, braised butter beans and sun-dried tomato tapenade could make up the next course, or may be even a slow roasted duck confit. A dessert of strawberry and raspberry cheesecake and pears poached in port and honey could help in rounding things off.

With 8 Belgium beers on draught including Piraat at a mightily rich 10.5%, beer buffs have a reason to celebrate.