Check out the ultimate run down on drinking and eating in the south of the UK

THE FOX INN
A pro-run pub with a stunning garden and a menu that is hardly ever less than exquisite. If you have enough time, obtain directions to the XII century St Nicholas Church, a quick hike away. It's a marvellous, secluded location with Norman wall paintings that was quite literally tucked away for ages in a forest.

THE FOX AND HOUNDS
You simply won't find a cosier bar than this. The tavern is a cubby hole decorated with dried out hops, and it will serve a wide choice of regional beer. The food is filling but it's the experience of an accurate commune pub that is the driving attraction.

BIBURY COURT HOTEL
In this 15th century residence found on the outskirts of charming town Bibury, a brief car drive from Cirencester, the Bibury Court eating venue has earned plenty of awards and honours for its ingenious exquisite menu. Head chef Anthony Ely was brought in from The Clarence Hotel in Dublin (notoriously acquired by Bono and The Edge from U2) about ten years ago, and supervises recipes such as crisp Bibury trout with ragout of wild Fowey mussels, herb gnocchi and butternut squash and linguini with root vegetables, oxtail and red wine. Bibury Court is also a hotel.

THE OLD BUTCHER'S
Previously a Butcher's, which shut down after a Tesco grocery store arrived, it's now one of the most well-liked restaurants in the region.

THE KINGHAM PLOUGH
Led by Emily Watkins, previously of Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck. Watkins serves basic recipes of regional origin made with fantastic detail. Try the Hereford beef or the crisp, breaded goose egg. They also grate fresh horseradish root into their cocktails and supply pig's ears for your puppy for a small fee.

THE WILD RABBIT
Lady Bamford's brand new bar with rooms, in relaxing Kingham, is fairly evidently the culinary sibling of her spa at Daylesford. As you enter it, you notice pale uncovered-brick walls, pale flagstones and a pale wood bar. Behind the bar, Oxfordians are pulling artisan ales. Haphazard furnishings are set up all around a log fire, or gazing out on to the village.

WHATLEY MANOR
A Relais & Chateaux member, Whatley Manor has 2 restaurants - Swiss brasserie Le Mazot and Michelin-starred The Dining Room. Both are supervised by head chef Martin Burge, who has been awarded a couple of accolades for his modern take on classic French fine menus. Not surprisingly, Burge did time at both Pied a Terre and Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons before taking up his spot at Wiltshire. Whatley Manor is also a lodge.

THE ROYAL WELL TAVERN
Chef Humphrey Fletcher has worked at Kensington Place and the River Café and cooks up brilliant braised sea trout with brown shrimp and samphire and steak frites. Owner Sam Pearman was born in Gloucestershire and used to be employed at Langan's Brasserie in London. He not too long ago bought The Wheatsheaf in North Leach in the south of England and the indications are inspiring.