Claire Spinks is delighted by the fare at Stones in Chipping Norton: If you are anything like me, the very thought of having a pub lunch on the day of England's opening World Cup match might have seemed like a daunting prospect. Don't get me wrong I am as patriotic as the next Brit, and hope Sven's team can do the nation proud, but the idea of spending a sultry Saturday afternoon in the company of hordes of beered-up guys chanting "Come on En-ger-land" didn't exactly appeal.

Therefore, it was a joy to stumble upon the gloriously football-free delights of Stones, in central Chipping Norton. Both the charming upper-terraced roof garden area and the distinct lack of St George Cross bunting outside drew us to investigate further and what a great little find it turned out to be a light, airy country pub adorned with black and white celebrity photographs.

We ordered a bottle of Leffe and a pint of Stella Artois, found a spot in the roof garden and pondered the menu as we soaked up the sunshine.

The menu offered a staggeringly varied selection of traditional pub fare, such as sandwiches and baguettes (all generously accompanied with a salad garnish and fries) to heartier main courses such as grills and fish and chips. I was very much impressed to also see a tapas selection on offer. Truly something for everyone, without appearing too muddled or eclectic.

I opted for the chunky potatoes with garlic mayonnaise from the tapas options, and a portion of garlic bread with cheese yes, I know, mucho garlic. But hey, I'd been watching a lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer lately!

My partner in football-avoidance meanwhile toyed between the tempting trio of Cotswold sausages and the chicken and mushroom pie served with chips and peas, finally deciding upon the latter. When our meals arrived, the portions were considerable and, despite being delicious, we could not finish our plates. My tapas potatoes came beautifully presented on a sectioned square platter, with a substantial dollop of garlic mayonnaise, which also included some French bread and a mixed green salad.

The four sizeable slices of cheesy garlic bread made for a rather carb-filled feast for me! Both the bread and the mayonnaise were not overloaded with garlic and the potatoes were perfectly cooked and utterly delicious. The accompanying salad added some welcome lightness.

My partner was equally satisfied, tucking into his chicken and mushroom pie with gusto. It had a lovely, traditional puff-pastry crust and hearty filling, with an ample portion of fries and tender garden peas to complement. His verdict very tasty!

Stuffed to bursting point, we ordered two final beers as the sun rapidly turned us into human lobsters. The service throughout was polite and friendly, the waitress at one point delivering a furtive half-time match update 1-0 to En-ger-land', courtesy of a Paraguayan own-goal, only to then reassure us it was still a football-free zone, honest!

Rarely these days can one eat so heartily yet so reasonably priced and in such a convivial, relaxed atmosphere. I'm not sure if any of the stars dotted around the walls of the Stones pub ever passed through Chipping Norton to sample its charm and friendliness, but had they stopped off here, they would surely not have been disappointed.

It's not haute cuisine by any standard but if it's good quality, hearty pub fare you are after at an excellent price, you will be hard-pressed to beat this establishment.