Belvedere Arms

The wonderful Belvedere Arms is a classically restored pub with all its historic value intact, a place where you'll find the likes of stone-fired ovens, log burning fires, comfortable leather seating, and solid teak furnishings - not to mention a welcoming vibe.

The efficient menu is populated by dependable and quality creations that have their own unique character. All manner of salads, starters, pizzas, pastas, grills, sides and desserts are accounted for, and practically any libation you can dream up is yours for the asking. The chef features daily specials made with market fresh ingredients, too.

For starters, try the tomato, shallot, and goat's cheese tart tatin (£5.95); or grilled gambas with garlic butter and parsley (£7.95). The salads are all offered as either a first course or a main, and my favourite is the crispy duck with watercress, mouli, and plum sauce (£6.95 and £10.95 respectively).

For pizza, try the Pollo Fiorentina (£8.25) - smoked chicken with spinach and broccoli; or, for a lip-smacking serving of pasta, order linguini with crab, tomatoes and chilli (£5.95 starter, £8.95 main course). The grills come in various forms of chicken, lamb, beef and fish. And you can order sides like olive oil mash, Belgium fries with mayo, and the fabulous garlic pizzette.

The variety of wines is commendable, too, with popular grape varieties listed alongside lesser-known producers from the world's best regions. The garden is ideal for alfresco drinking and dining, but it is the superb attention to detail that seals the deal for The Belvedere.