The Crown Inn at Benson

With its whitewashed exterior and thatched roof, this village pub certainly looks the part. Guests are welcomed by the relaxed team into a low-beamed room, where they can enjoy a full meal or a pint at the bar with nibbles. Pub classics run alongside more elaborate dishes, which are united by their well-sourced ingredients and careful preparation. While it may sound simple, the French onion soup sums up everything the kitchen does well – hearty, big-flavoured cooking that is both straightforward and skilful.

From the same team as The Lamb Inn at Little Milton, this Oxfordshire pub is an object lesson in how to inject new life into the village local. The owners have brought some love to the place, retaining a pubby feel, real ales and a dart board so it remains a community hub for drinkers as well as diners. Whilst there is a lack of pretence, the kitchen team are serious about their cooking, sourcing top ingredients and cooking them with care. Well-judged Scottish cod with capers and beurre noisette is a prime example of the commitment to true, honest flavours.

An endearing couple bring plenty of charm to this pretty, cream-washed former pub in the rural village of Lower Assendon. Priya provides a natural warmth in the friendly service, while Ben incorporates Priya's Indian heritage into his modern British dishes – such as cod accompanied by 'potato chaat', spiced cauliflower and tamarind sauce. A local, seasonal approach adds to the appeal too, with chicken and beef from the surrounding area featuring in cooking that is confidently executed and suitably satisfying.

This truly lovely spot has always had a certain quirky charm – and that remains true to this day, with the restaurant having undergone little change over the years and emanating a comforting familiarity. In summer, start with an aperitif in the delightful garden dotted with backlit sculptures; at other times, sit beside the log fire and get cosy among the eclectic décor. The kitchen makes good use of quality ingredients to create dishes whose flavours are punchy and pronounced, while the wine list is a labour of love.

Compact yet characterful, there’s plenty to love about this bijou pub overlooking the main square in Henley-on-Thames. It’s co-owned by Barry Wagner from the neighbouring Gabriel Machin butcher’s shop, which means there are plenty of his own high-quality meats on the menu. Keep an eye on the ever-changing Butcher’s Board in particular, for the likes of lamb chops or bavette steak frites. The underlying principle is unfussy food and an atmosphere to match, with a great relaxed vibe. In summer, arrive early for a drink on the terrace.

With its constant buzz of well-fed diners, relaxed atmosphere and bohemian feel, you can bet you'll have a good time at Arbequina. A simply furnished tapas bar, it occupies a former chemist's and features a vintage stainless steel counter. The concise menu of generous, authentic and flavourful dishes mixes Spanish classics (the 'tomatoes on toast' is a sure-fire winner) and a few Middle Eastern infuences, such as beetroot borani. For drinks, choose between cocktails, plenty of Spanish wines and a few natural wine options from around the world.

Named after George Orwell, who spent his childhood in the area, this 18th-century building has the appearance of a rural inn from the outside, but once indoors you'll see it for the modern place it really is. Choose between the tasting menu and the à la carte to enjoy dishes mining quality British produce and vegetables from the team's own smallholding. They make their own honey, too, which is used in the signature 'Mill Lane Honey Sponge' dessert – a real treat to end your visit on.