The Walter Arms

Built by a member of the family who founded The Times newspaper, The Walter Arms restaurant in the Saxon village of Sindlesham offers plenty to write home about. Arising from humble beginnings, this establishment - originally a pub with just sawdust on the floors - has been completely refurbished and now boasts contemporary decor and modern furnishings, an impressive barn annexe and a stunning exterior with relaxing fountains.

The menu at The Walter Arms is both extensive and well thought out, offering both quality and quantity. Expect tasty pasta, moreish pizzas, tempting smorgasbords, crisp salads and a wide-ranging choice of meat and fish dishes. The seared scallops, with explosions of flavours from the accompanying garlic ciabatta, vine-roasted cherry tomatoes, sweet pepper tapenade and tempura anchovies, were declared among the best my companion had ever tasted. With the nation's love affair with mangoes following Shelina Permalloo's win on Masterchef fresh in my mind, I devoured a colourful dish of salmon glazed with this versatile fruit, served with roasted vegetables, courgettes, masala cream and aromatic couscous. Zesty lemon cheesecake, crunchy hazelnuts and vodka syrup created a first-rate finale.

Among foodie sayings on the menu was one attributed to Tolkien: 'If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold it would be a merrier world.' I couldn't agree more, and can think of no better place to enjoy food and cheer than The Walter Arms.