The Pheasant at Keyston lives up to its reputation – and the description in my guide book. Driving along the A14 I often get bored as well as hungry so I have factored in a stop at the Pheasant on every trip. It is always warm, friendly, inviting, comfortable and by the time I've eaten a hearty meal I am ready to get back on the road and continue driving all night. The great thing about the food is that the menu changes all the time. Every visit I am surprised by some new addition. In line with current thinking, they really do serve local food, made on the premises and sourced from nearby if possible. One day I asked if this applied to the delicious beef I'd just eaten. One of the locals propping up the bar took me over to the window, pointed to a group of very attractive cattle munching the hedge and said, ' see that one over there? The brown heifer? Well I've got her earmarked for my birthday feast, honest injun.' When I raised my eyebrow in possible disbelief he added. 'an I'd swear it on my grandmother's grave'. I was convinced. It is a tragedy that I am always driving and have yet to take a driver with me as the wine list is superb and so is the quality of the beer – or so my friend with the deceased grandmother tells me. I used to stop at the motor way services just south of Birmingham but not any more. I prefer to spend a couple of quid more and eat a meal so good that I'll be thinking about it all the way home.