The Royal Oak

On the edge of Marlow Common and glorious walking country, this lovely cream-painted cottage is part of David and Becky Salisbury's thriving mini-empire of pubs, which includes the Alford Arms at Frithsden, Hertfordshire and The Swan at Denham, Buckinghamshire (see entries). Literally, just up the hill and a world away from bustling Marlow, retreat here for the sunny summer terrace and the sprawling, flower-filled gardens, replete with petanque piste and, if you're lucky, red kites wheeling overhead. Inside, it's both spacious yet cosy, with dark floorboards, rich fabrics, terracotta and pale green walls and a wood-burning stove setting the upmarket tone, and the early evening regulars gather around the crossword. Meanwhile the kitchen team can offer something for everyone, the imaginative modern British menu making good use of fresh local produce, and an exclusively European wine list includes 21 by the glass. From the seasonal menu's 'small plates' section begin with rustic breads, roast garlic and olive oil, crab and coriander risotto, or a warm black pudding, pork and sage Scotch egg. Main courses range from Amersham pork belly with butternut squash purée and sage potato cake, through pork and leek sausage and root vegetable cassoulet with Cheddar cheese champ, to sea bream with celeriac and apple mash and Thatcher's cider velouté. Leave room for sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and tonka bean ice cream, or a plate of British cheeses with spiced fruit chutney. The beers come from the Rebellion Brewery in Marlow Bottom, whilst free Wi-fi is available if you're planning a working lunch or dinner.