There are a huge number of recommended restaurants throughout the South East of England. This is just a small selection... Go on, treat yourselves:
Lainston House near Winchester is an elegant 17th century county house hotel serving up fabulous food. Spend a day in the unspoilt beauty of the New Forest and top it off with a high-class dinner at the Chewton Glen spa hotel and restaurant.
Great atmosphere
Olde-worlde pubs and inns make for a fantastic atmosphere. Add to that the fact that many have become 'gastro-pubs', and you can find a great vibe in every corner of the region. Try some of these for size:
Serving delicious food and offering accommodation, too - the Chilgrove White Horse Inn is a pretty 18th century coaching inn, nestled at the bottom of the South Downs near Chichester in West Sussex.
With a hugely acclaimed menu (Egon Ronay, Good Food Guide, Michelin Red Guide) and delightful rooms the 16th century Black Boys Inn near Maidenhead in Berkshire is a top-quality hideaway.
The Dove Inn near Faversham in Kent is a rather austere-looking Victorian country pub. Inside, though, is a pleasant scrubbed-pine decor and Michelin-Guide recognised food, but its piece de resistance is the lovely formal garden.
A combination of superb, locally sourced food, pretty country garden, Morroccan-themed terrace and cosy interior - the Jolly Sportsman in East Chitlington, Sussex is ideal for anyone looking to escape the madding crowds.
Lathams Brasserie in picturesque Hastings Old Town is a quaint family run brasserie offering local fresh fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. Not a place to escape the crowds, though - this place is permanently humming.
For those who want the local produce deliciously prepared and served up on a plate, there are a variety of places to try. Head to The Fish Café, Rye - A vibrant lively café, serving local fish from both Hastings and Rye's fishing ports, or Lathams Brasserie sitting in the picturesque Hastings Old Town; a busy family run brasserie offering local fresh fish, meat and vegetarian dishes.
A visit would not be complete without sampling one of the new restaurants. Dine out at new destination restaurant, 8 Kings Road in Southsea. This restored former banking hall in Southsea has seen a £1m investment to create a world-class restaurant. With a Michelin trained chef, local seasonal produce and one of the best wine lists in the UK, you're in for a culinary treat.
Enjoy a delicious, eco-friendly dinner at The Essex restaurant on the Isle of Wight, which prides itself on good quality cuisine using local and organic ingredients, much of which comes from the Godshill Park Farm. The latest menu is available to see on-line, so you can anticipate how much your taste buds will be tantalised before you arrive. For additional atmosphere, Paul Martinez plays relaxing Spanish guitar in the restaurant on Friday and Saturday evenings.