We are lucky to have so many fine pubs to eat and drink in around Stamford. Here, Nicola Noblett, Harjit Gammon and Mark Swindells try out some favourites all within a quarter of an hour's drive of Stamford

Hare and Hounds, Greatford

A pub set in a beautiful village, with gorgeous surroundings and good quality homemade fare to suit everybody. Run by Andrew Dixon, Landlord/Head Chef and his wife Gemma who have previously worked at The Coach House in Rutland and The Savoy, London!

On Sundays, they serve a traditional Sunday Roast, try the Grasmere Farm Pork or the Roast Beef and if you can book your table before Friday the deal is £9.95 for lunch and a dessert, great value. For dessert, Hot banana sponge with butterscotch sauce, naughty but very nice.

If it's a snack that takes your fancy, Andrew has a wide selection of his own freshly baked breads with various fillings, including his home cooked ham. He has also created the "Bapizza"consisting of freshly cooked bread with tomato and cheese and then you choose your own toppings, perfect for a tasty lunch! They also offer a takeaway service, a fantastic idea for those who want something different from the norm. On the second Tuesday of every month and for £3.95 you get to eat and take part in quiz night, lots of fun!

The Hare and Hounds offers a lovely relaxed atmosphere, welcomes children and has a play area. It is definitely worth a visit.

Contact details: Main Street, Greatford, PE9 4QA - Tel: 01778 560332 - www.hareandhoundsgreatford.com

Food Served: Tue-Sat 12-1.45 and evenings Sun 12-2

Ye Olde Bertie Arms, Uffington

Dating back to 1681, this superb eatery has character along with atmosphere and really great food. All credit goes to Head Chef Barasz Csongradi previously of Fratellis, and Second Chef Stephen Sutcliffe, who have created a menu that will leave you wanting to try everything on it.

For fish lovers, Marinated sardines with tomatoes on toast are a must, obviously enjoyed with a crisp glass of white wine. For those who want a lovely fresh salad, I suggest The Salad of warm duck and orange with walnuts or the warm and spicy chicken salad with sweet chilli sauce.

Something a little more filling could lead you to the freshly homemade burger with hand cut chips or try the fresh cod on a Friday, dipped in beer batter it's light and crispy and a definite pre-weekend treat.

The handmade desserts are outstanding, Peach Pavlova, Lemon and ginger cheesecake or the almond praline crunch, all a truly delicious end to anything on this menu.

Contact details: Bertie Lane, Uffington, PE9 4SZ - Tel: 01780 763834

Food Served : Lunch 12- 2 pm Mon-Thursday, 12-2.30pm Friday; Dinner 6-9pm Mon-Fri Weekends 12-9pm

The Plough Inn, Great Casterton

The Plough is a favourite of mine for one simple reason... excellent food!

Peter continues to wow us with his exciting menus, his reasonable prices and the quality and standard of his creations. More than a pub when it comes to food but the down to earth atmosphere and unpretentious surroundings are a breath of fresh air.

In keeping with the season, the soups are not only original but also delicious; definitely try the Fresh Abbey Park asparagus soup, creamy, smooth and incredibly fresh or White onion, stilton and rosemary soup, a blend of flavours that are brilliant.

I have to mention the Broad bean, asparagus and parmesan risotto, absolutely stunning and very light. I was also intrigued by the Char grilled leg of lamb steak, marinated in yoghurt and spices, served with Mediterranean vegetable cous cous and roasted red pepper coulis.

The lunchtime special is two courses for £10 and with food this good, they're virtually giving it away. There is plenty on the menu to suit all tastes, each dish guaranteed to please. The Plough offers a lovely garden in the summer, welcomes children and has a fantastic selection of wines.

Contact details: Main Street, Great Casterton, PE9 4AA - Tel: 01780 762178 - www.theplough-greatcasterton.co.uk

Food served: Lunches Tuesday - Saturday 12pm - 2.30pm, Evening meals Tuesday - Saturday 6pm - 9.30pm, Sunday lunches 12pm - 3pm

Blue Bell, Easton on the Hill

How many traditional English pubs do you know that are run by an Italian family? Exactly, and that's what makes the Blue Bell, situated in the heart of picture-perfect Easton-on-the-Hill so fantastic; a traditional English pub, serving hearty Italian food.

Over the past four years Alex & Cinzia Rambaldi have transformed the Blue Bell, while keeping the ambience of a true village pub. Two separate rooms allow Gnocchi and Lamb shanks to coexist very happily with the weekly inter-village darts competition. Those living in the village think it is one of the best-kept secrets around Stamford.

On a hot day, relax outside with your favourite drink and share a sizeable plate of Italian cured ham and cheese (£4.50). This has to be my children's favourite snack order, particularly when combined with a bowl of chips.

From the main menu, enjoy roast vegetables with goat's cheese (£5.00), chicken with lemon garlic and rosemary (11.00) and if you still have space, a slice of cheesecake (£3.00).

Portions are always generous, which in itself is rare these days. We always leave marvelling at what good value Alex and Cynzia provide. Theirs is a delightfully simple, yet effective formula.

Contact details: The Blue Bell, 9 High St Easton On The Hill, PE9 3LR Tel: 01780 763003

Food served: Lunch: Tues-Sat Midday-2.30pm; Sun Midday-3.00pm - Dinner: Mon-Sat 6.00-9.30pm

The Jackson Stops, Stretton

A warren of rooms, each characterful in its own inimitable way, a proper pubby menu; Steak & Kidney Faggots, Shepherd's pie, Scampi & Chips rub shoulders with more adventurous fare; Moroccan style Lamb stew, Thai Chicken Red Curry and pick and mix Paninis and a Soup and Pate Combo, consisting of Soup of the day (Asparagus on the day of our visit), warm bread (from Hambleton Bakery) and Smoked Mackerel Pate. Billed as light lunches these are big eats - be sure to be really hungry, there's lots of grub. Doing the cooking are Catherine Davy, one half of the husband and wife team who own this pub (starters and puddings) and a Polish chef "passionate about English and continental food" on Mains. The Warm Gammon, Sausage and Bacon Salad with Poached Egg and a Honey and Mustard Dressing was a hit. A small garden shaded by a Beech tree is a lovely spot to while away a few hours on a fine summer's day in this quiet Rutland village.

Contact Details: Rookery Lane, Stretton, Rutland, LE5 7RA, Tel: 01780 410237

Food served: Tuesday-Saturday 12-3pm and 6pm-closing, Sunday 12-6pm

Millstone Inn, Ryhall

"The Milly" as the locals lovingly refer to this village pub has one huge selling point for me; Sunday lunch with the family is an enjoyable, stress free day out and for anyone who has young children they know how important this is. To say they are accommodating is an understatement and my family and friends have enjoyed many a Sunday meandering through lunch with absolutely no rush to go anywhere.

The prices are superb too, Sunday carvery £6.99 for one course, £8.99 for two courses and £10.99 for three. A range of fresh seasonal vegetables and a good variety of roast meat (my favourite is the gammon) accompanied by all the trimmings you would expect for a good roast dinner.

During the week, they make sure there is something different and interesting on the menu. Tuesday is fish and chip night, Wednesday is Curry night and Thursday a steak night. On a Friday they offer a buffet lunch with homemade daily specials. If you fancy yourself as a general knowledge expert, every other Sunday holds a quiz night and the last Saturday of every month has live music and a brilliant party atmosphere.

Contact details: Bridge Street, Ryhall, PE9 4HH, www.millstone-ryhall.com, Tel: 01780 763649

Food Served: Lunch - 11-2pm Monday to Thursday, Dinner - 5.30-9pm Monday to Thursday

Fri & Sat - 11-9pm, Sunday - 12-4pm