Harston, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

In a “lovely setting” in the village made famous by the poet of its name, this pub was taken over after our survey by Pascky Benedetto and his wife Laura, who moved in from the nearby Plough at Coton with a new offer including £6 house negronis and a signature carbonara with guanciale – although the menu is by no means all-Italian. We have removed the rating for this year – but reports please!

This Grade II-listed city-centre staple (once a coaching inn welcoming travellers on the road to the Big Smoke) has long been a magnet for locals owing to “always reliable” and sometimes “very good” bistro dishes and “excellent service” to boot; visit in summer months to profit from the lovely walled garden.

“Incredibly inventive vegetarian cooking and lovely staff!” continue to inspire nothing but high praise from the very dedicated fan club of Alex Rushmer’s small, ethically driven and sustainably sourced venue. “It really does not get any better than this place. Who cares that it’s meat-free... it’s just fabulous, tasty food”.

Despite its out-of-the-way location on Mill Road, Holly & Dan Fancett’s “lovely, local French-style brasserie” is one of the most commented-on destinations in the city in our annual diners’ poll. Why? Especially in this still patchily served varsity town, it’s “fairly priced”, serves “very good food”, has an “intimate” atmosphere and provides “very personal attention to customers”.