Gentrified country pubs with attitude and imagination flourish in the villages of south Buckinghamshire. Food is their main business and those at the top of the tree have transformed themselves into restaurants - in all but name. Aylesbury ducks were born in these parts and the area is still known for its cherries, plums and damsons.

To the north is that shopper's paradise, home of the Open University and urban conclave called Milton Keynes: it has a smattering of decent restaurants, but deserves more.