A hidden gem - The Devonshire Arms, Middle Handley, Sheffield

We visited the Devonshire Arms expecting to find the usual pub grub, so to find a small and exclusive restaurant, with open kitchen, came as quite a pleasant surprise.

Only recently opened, the restaurant in the refurbished Devonshire Arms, initially specialise in fish and seafood dishes - from a contemporary, yet filling take on fish & chips, to a grand seafood platter for two. You'll also find old favourites like roast beef.

Fresh and local produce are used where possible and this is reflected in the prices - you wouldn't come here to dine on a budget. However, whilst I did find the food value for money, I did disagree with the price of the basic side dishes.

It's really great and encouraging to see a place clearly passionate about good food, opening in this part of Sheffield and I sincerely hope that things can only go onwards and upward from here.

4/5

Delicious quality food - Weirmarsh Farm Restaurant, Umberleigh, Devon

Hidden away in the North Devon countryside, Weirmarsh Farm take pride in their small but exclusive restaurant, open only three evenings a week, and offering delicious five course meals cooked from seasonal homegrown, quality produce.

Peter Weirmarsh is your host for the evening, and there's a real sense of a true family business at work here. The menu changes with the seasons - your starter might be Monkfish in a Mushroom and Walnut Crust, or Spinach & Ricotta Tart. A typical main course could be Breast of chicken filled with sautéed leeks and summer brie wrapped in bacon, served in a white wine sauce. The main course was served with a vast array of vegetables including honey glazed carrots and parsnips, and a butternut squash and potato gratin. Homemade desserts including chocolate cheesecake and delicious panna cotta with fruit finish the meal off nicely before returning to the comfy sofas and relaxing with coffee and homemade biscuits.

At £25.50 per head (plus drinks), you really do get more than just value for money. Canapés on arrival in a comfy sitting room, followed by first course, a lemon sorbet, your main, and finally mouth-watering desserts. Most customers were even asked if they wanted a second dessert... which is possibly the worst question you could ask me!

5/5

Visited: September 2009

Millbrook Cottages, Umberleigh, Devon

The beautiful, secluded Millbrook estate lies at the bottom of one of Devon's many narrow, winding roads and is the perfect romantic getaway.

We stayed in the Wheel Room, as we were able to take our cat with us, which was a huge bonus, given that so many establishments are not pet friendly - and to have one of this standard was just perfect.

The accommodation itself was beautiful, comfortable and perfectly kept. No shoddy decor; everything was of a good quality and high standard, and modern, despite the warm and rustic, traditional feel.

The finishing touches, from the generous welcome hamper of local produce, to the heart-shaped chocolates in the bedroom, and fresh eggs and tomatoes outside the door each morning, added that extra level of quality and enjoyment of our stay. Although we sadly didn't get to meet Kate and Bob during our time there, Tom and Renaté were both very friendly, helpful and considerate. At Millbrook, you really don't feel like you are intruding, and are free to roam the grounds and really relax.

Speaking of relaxing, the hot tub, set in cosy woodlands just a few yards from the cottages, was a real highlight. Here you can sit and soak in the bubbles, whilst listening to music and really chill out. I've since been working out how to get one in our back garden!

The grounds are magnificent, with two lakes and a variety of animals roaming freely. We met Goats, Alpacas, Ducks, Cats and about a dozen Hens - whose eggs we enjoyed for breakfast most days! I miss the fresh eggs already!

Millbrook boasts green credentials, and do operate a clear recycling policy, which is something to bear in mind perhaps, when preparing your shopping for your stay. This might be a little extra work, but it's all for a good cause.

Nearby towns such as Great Torrington and Barnstaple offer a wide variety of things, including real markets, with fresh, local produce and a number of small bakers, fishmongers and butchers, again all offering fresh produce.

The coast is within an hour's drive, whichever way you go, as are most things of any interest. But locally, the nearest pub is the traditional style Old George, up in the village, although it is probably better for a drink, than what you might call good food! They do however make very nice large pizzas, which you can order to take away, but despite the generous portions, the rest of the menu was below average, lacking any innovation or even sauces and, well, flavour. But in contrast to that, if you're after a memorable culinary experience, then Weirmarsh Farm Restaurant in High Bickington is well worth a visit - although they only open Thursday to Saturday, so it's wise to book ahead if you want to enjoy this exclusive fine food.

At Millbrook, you have privacy and comfort - it really is an ideal getaway for couples seeking a romantic change of scenery, and I'm sure which ever cottage you decide to stay, your time there will be a very special one.

5/5

Visited: August 2009

Piedaniel, Bakewell, Derbyshire

My wife and I paid our first visit to Piedaniel in June, to celebrate our second wedding anniversary, and this cosy little restaurant proved to be the perfect choice.

Piedaniel has a relaxed atmosphere and is a small, but comfortable and exclusive restaurant. It rightfully prides itself on using local produce where possible, cooked to perfection by their French chef – this was exactly what we had hoped to find in a contemporary French/British restaurant in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside.

The service was very good, warm and friendly but unintrusive and professional. The food was absolutely excellent – for a restaurant of this calibre (which are few and far between around here), the prices were very reasonable and the portions generous.

Piedaniel was ideal for a special occasion, and we look forward to returning. Absolutely excellent.

5/5

Visited: June 2009

Le Javanais, Saint-Malo, France

I have been to Le Javanais several times - no trip to Brittany is complete without a meal there!

The food is absolutely delicious, and the menu huge. So many exciting, fragrant and spicy dishes to choose from, with various curries, noodles and rice dishes. They also have the best dessert I have ever tasted...

A beautiful place inside, very ornate and cosy, and the owners are delightful and very friendly. A real pleasure every time.

At Le Javanais, you can be assured of a beautiful taste of Indonesia. Just be careful of the hot sauce...

5/5

Villa Spicy, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, Paris, France

I've been to this restaurant only a couple of times, but on all occasions, I really enjoyed it - absolutely exquisite food. Raviolis and desserts to die for. I also remember having the most delicious pumpkin soup - perhaps the best soup I've had anywhere.

I look forward to going back!

5/5

Barrats of Tyn Rhyl - a sheer delight

Barrat's of Tyn Rhyl seems out of both time and place, set back from a drab and ordinary street in Rhyl. You step inside to a beautiful and welcoming house full of character and history; cosy and comfy sitting rooms with real fires that illuminate the original, decorative oak walls with their ornate features.

David and Elvira were the perfect hosts, and very accommodating. Many places don't give such a warm welcome and I have even felt intrusive or afraid to sit down in certain establishments, but here, we instantly felt instantly at home and able to relax.

Our room was lovely - spacious and comfortable, traditionally decorated but equipped with a modern TV/DVD player (complete with and a mini DVD library to choose from just outside the room) and contemporary en-suite bathroom.

The real highlight of our short stay was without doubt, the food. Exquisitely presented and cooked to perfection - every course was an absolute delight - creative, fresh and bursting with flavour. I haven't enjoyed a meal as much as this for a long time. And that was just the evening meal - at breakfast we were presented with a very generous English breakfast, made to order, with scrambled eggs to die for!

Barrat's is ideally situated in a location where you can easily reach many places of interest such as Conwy, Anglesey and Chester.

Barratts of Tyn Rhyl is a special place, and arguably the best guesthouse we've stayed, serving top quality food - worth every penny and clearly worthy of their AA rosettes. Quality and service like this is hard to find, and I would make the journey again for just for another meal alone! However we would definitely like to return for another, longer enjoyable break.

5/5

Visited: October 2008