Dioskouri Taverna, Kardamyli, Greece

An unassuming eatery serving Greek staples, Dioskouri Taverna has outside tables in an enviable location on a shady terrace with sweeping sea views. Although not haute cuisine, the food is fresh, generous and reasonably priced. A large lamb souvlaki is €13, while a seafood platter (pic below) for two is €32. A decent Nema beer is €3.70. The service can be sporadic, but you'll be entertained by the antics of the local feral cats. 7/10

Ruskin Park, Denmark Hill, South East London

 

Although it is smaller than most south London green spaces, Ruskin Park offers big skies and sweeping views towards central London.

Brasted, Kent

 

Although it is somewhat blighted by the busy A25, Brasted is a handsome village on the fringes of some timeless Kent countryside - great cycling country. From Toy's Hill to the south, the fast descent down shady Chart Lane is fun, but make sure you slam on the brakes as you arrive at the T-junction. Some foolhardy cyclists ride north up Rectory Lane, which bleeds into Brasted Hill - a fearsomely steep climb on to the ridge that overlooks London. Fortunately, this lane is almost car-free, meaning you can zig-zag your way across the gradient.

Beer Hawk, The Gallery South Bank Tower Estate, Stamford Street, Central London

 

A laid back bar serving craft beers and old-school snacks, the Beer Hawk has a battery of outside tables surrounded by the glass and steel of the nearby office blocks. Away from the tourists traipsing up and down the South Bank, it can be a good spot to catch the afternoon sun.

Peckham Bazaar, Consort Road, South London

Specialising in fascinating Balkan fare, this restaurant rarely puts a foot wrong. The sumptuous and varied dishes - ranging from marinated octopus with new potatoes to sirloin kebab with Greek fava to pan-fried kourkoubines (pasta) with wild mushrooms and butternut squash - will have you waxing lyrical.  The multitude of flavours and textures make for a really satisfying and stimulating meal. But, take note, the dishes come in a random order whenever they are ready, so be prepared to share your choices with your fellow diners. And it is very easy to over order.  While the food is fairly priced, some of the wines and beers are a tad pricey for a neighbourhood restaurant. Still, the service is assured and there is a pleasant buzz, both indoors and on the covered patio.  For a relaxed meal with close friends and family, the Peckham Bazaar should be on the shortlist. 8/10

The Churchill Arms, Paxford, Blockley, Gloucestershire

A tad pricey, the Churchill Arms is a gastro-pub with its roots in the seventeenth century. It retains its beamed ceilings and flagstone floors, but much of the interior decor (and the ambiance) signals pretentious hotel, rather than traditional hostelry. The menu is fairly short and safe, although most of the classic dishes come with a twist, such as cod with curried mussels. Costing £17, the fish and chips is one of the cheapest main courses (fillet of beef is a heady £28). The portions are fairly modest, so you may need to top up with a sticky toffee pudding (£7) - this is catering for a well-heeled Cotswolds crowd. Still, the dishes are nicely done and well-presented. 7/10

Michael's Mediterranean Restaurant, the High Street, Chipping Campden

A tasteful Greek restaurant housed in one of the fine old buildings on Chipping Campden's historic high street, Michael's has a leafy courtyard garden at the back, as well as a few tables indoors and at the front. The young waiting staff serve decent meze (£18.50 to share), seafood mariniere (£35 for two), mousakka (£14.50) and other Greek stables, with a smile.  Wine by the glass and the bottles of beer are a tad pricey for Gloucestershire, but Campden is on the tourist trail. 8/10

The Kings Arms, High Street, Mickleton, Gloucestershire

The Kings Arms is a traditional pub serving respectable food, including British pub classics, such as fish and chips (£15), and some slightly more adventurous fare, such as mussels and frites (£16.50), and balsamic and sweet chilli beef salad (also £15). The portions are generous and the seafood is surprisingly fresh. The deserts are particularly good, while the drinks are competitively priced (less than a fiver for a pint of Thatchers Gold cider or a glass of Sauvignon Blanc). There is a large garden at the back or you can sit inside, underneath the beams and soak up the old-school ambiance. 8/10