Just thought I would report on three good eating experiences; there have been so many bad ones, I cannot keep track of them. These are places I have sampled while out rambling; they do not therefore require formal dress, though muddy boots would be a problem. Always be prepared to negotiate. I did not keep notes of menus and the like, as I was not planning to do this write up. Bibury Court Hotel. Surprise this one, but they had laid a table in the conservatory, and we had a good meal, with reasonable beer. Their menu is excellent, though my chump of lamb was a bit disappointing, everything else appeared to be just so. Rather high mark up on wine. Fabulous grounds, fly fishing. Bisley: Stirrup Cup. They are making a real effort, and yet people still go for the breaded scampi, which is depressing. So, excellent Toulouse Sausage with mash and onion gravy (about £5). Petit Blanc had better look to its laurels! A pleasant extra plus was Fuller's London pride on draught. A downside, though marks for effort, was a supply of the Daily Telegraph for visitors - on Saturday there is lots to read. Bellringer's Cross Pub, Shatterford. Just of the northern part of the Worcestershire Way, this pub was definitely worth the detour. The only decent piece of sirloin I have had in an English pub, and vegetables exactly right; presentation excellent, nice staff, etc. OK, so the beams on the front are painted on, but good food, good beer, what more do you want. Lunch (main course) was £6 (I remember that, because it was yesterday). Kilkenny, Kilkenny. This is really a good restaurant, which holds on to its origins as a pub. Absolutely genuine, especially good at fish. Actually, not very welcoming to ramblers (restaurants are not, by and large), they do most of their trade a weekend end lunchtimes anyway. A special mention to The Boat at Thrup, north of Oxford, which took the money for my meat pie, and never delivered it, and then argued about a refund, and no apology. Arrogant b****ds.
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