The Tree Hotel, Annora Restaurant - Oxford

The Tree Hotel in the tranquil village of Iffley (only a couple of miles from the centre of Oxford) is an imposing redbrick and gabled building that is enjoying a new lease of life and a growing reputation for its exciting food.

The animated, atmospheric Annora Restaurant takes its name from the area's most famous local resident - a twelfth-century nobleman's daughter. It offers a wide-ranging menu that spans everything from well-tried English and European dishes to exotic specialities from India and Thailand.

On the home front, you might find classic prawn cocktail, braised lamb shank with basil mash and salmon Caesar salad; alternatively, spice things up with chicken satay, Goan prawn curry or ped phad prik (stir-fried duck with chilli and celery). There are also salads, Indian breads and rice dishes, although desserts move back into the comforting realms of apple crumble and crème brûlée. Sunday lunch is a popular family carvery with – of course – some oriental additions.

If you're feeling energetic, there are pleasant strolls out to Iffley Lock and the famed river 'Isis' (aka. the Thames).