It's Friday lunchtime and I'm in the Dog House. Not because I've been misbehaving, mind you.

I'm seated in the Dog House Hotel in Frilford Heath, near Abingdon, and judging by the smiles on my fellow diners' faces, I'm about to be well fed. The Dog House is set in a lovely spot, surrounded by pretty houses and meadows and close to Frilford Heath Golf Course.

The 20-bedroom hotel, now run by Greene King, got its name from its origins as a canine hostelry; in days gone by, farming gentry sent their offspring to be educated in Oxford and would arrive complete with their horses and hunting dogs.

But although the colleges allowed their students to stable horses, they refused their pooches. Fortunately, the proprietor of the local inn offered a 'dog sitting' service and the venue became known as the Dog House.

WHAT'S IT LIKE NOW?

The spit and sawdust inn it once was has evolved into a smart country hotel, but dogs are still welcome. There is a gorgeous, sprawling garden with swings, a patio and plenty of room for kids to run around.

Inside is an Old English style beamed ceiling bar, a roaring log fire in the colder months and the choice of dining either in the restaurant or conservatory.

We were impressed by the menu - a wide selection of traditional pub fayre such as cottage pie, prawn curry and steaks, as well as specials of the day, fish of the day and also a summer menu, complete with cocktails and strawberry-strewn summer puds.

The deli boards seemed to be their speciality; scrumptious 'smorgasbords' of fish, meats, regional cheeses, pickles and chutneys. There was also a decent selection of wine and ales and, more importantly for us, the children's menu was also well stocked with miniature versions of larger dishes and kiddie-themed puddings.

WHAT DID YOU HAVE?

My dining companion chose the 9oz rump steak, cooked medium (£10.45). I chose the Scottish whole tail scampi with fresh tartare sauce (£7.80) and our little one went for for the traditional baked lasagne seved with garlic ciabatta and salad (£3.95).

My scampi came with a generous helping of chips and mushy peas and was piping hot. My only complaint is that I would have liked a larger portion of the delicious homemade tartare sauce.

My companion enjoyed his steak, but complained it was a little overcooked. His meal also came with a good portion of chips and chunky homemade onion rings, while the little one polished off her lasagne with relish, and even a large chunk of her garlic bread.

The pudding menu was also extensive and, after much deliberation, I chose the Kentish cider and bramley apple pie with custard (£4.40), while the little one decided on warm chocolate brownies with ice cream (£1.95). Needless to say none of these stayed in their bowls for too long!

Our waiting staff were attentive and helpful, the food came quickly and the atmosphere was relaxed. We left full and happy, thinking the food was very good value considering this was a hotel.

On our way out we saw the proprietors saying goodbye to some of their guests - and their dogs.

THE BILL: 9oz rump steak, chips, onion rings £10.45; Scampi, chips, peas £7.80; Small lasagne, garlic; ciabatta and salad £3.95; apple pie with custard £4.40; Chocolate brownies with ice cream £1.95. TOTAL: £28.55