HARBURY.

Set in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, this village has seen a growth in home building in 2000 to rival Hong Kong. However, it's locals remain just that - local. The Dog (now under new management) is a brick pub dating from the turn of the century. It still has a traditional public bar with bare floor and simple furniture (though there is a flowery cushioned two-seater in one corner). The long bar has a busy back and plenty of hand pumps for the guest beers. Two were on at the time of visit: Warden Chaser and Beowulf Noble Bitter, the other choice of beer has been Ansells Bitter. Here is also where you'll find the real fire in a tiled and brick grate near the dartboard. The lounge bar is smaller, narrow and difficult to negotiate when busy) and shares the other side of the long bar (which you cannot see through to the public bar). Here there is carpet decent tables and chairs. The largest room is the separate restaurant across the corridor. Here there are plenty of tables and comfort is not wanting. There is no price premium for sitting in here or for the food as it can be had throughout the pub. The food is good - though they were having difficulty in meeting orders time wise on this visit. The food caters for all tastes including vegetarians and there is a choice between wholesome bar type food *the former) and the restaurant (the latter selection): soup £1.95; garlic bread £1.50; Jacket wedges with a choice of dip £2.50; Scampi, chips and peas £5.75; Lasagne, chips and peas £5.25; Chicken breast in Cajun sauce £6.50 (plus sandwiches/baguettes). 8oz Sirloin steak £8.50; Pork chop in Cajun sauce £6.50; Chilli-con-carne £5.75; Cajun Chicken £6.50; Chicken Skewers £6.75; Tagliatelle with tomato and herb sauce £5.75; Teriyaki mushrooms £6.50 and so on. Also check out the specials before ordering and if you're in a hurry they do takeaway pizza. Food is served both lunch and evening. Disabled access is also good to the pub and the restaurant, but not necessarily to the lounge bar. Beer garden outside is on the car park with over trellis. Darts are seriously played here, check out the web site for details. The Dog also has other special events, like the 'Cocktail & Racing Nights' and they provide a float for the Harbury carnival week. No accommodation here and none in the village. Also try: Crown Inn, Crown Street, Harbury, CV33 9HE. Near the church. 01926 612283. Opening times: Mon-Thu: 12noon-3pm; 5.30pm-11pm, Fridays: 12noon-11pm, Saturdays: 12noon-11pm, Sundays: 12noon-5pm; 7pm-10.30pm. Shakespeare Inn, 9 Mill Street, Harbury, Warwickshire, CV33 9HR  Tel: 01926 612357