Was it the sun's sudden appearance which transformed the day or the friendly greeting we received when visiting the Bat and Ball Inn, Cuddesdon?

This is the pub which is so full of cricket memorabilia you could be forgiven for thinking that you had walked into a themed museum. Cricket bats are pinned between the beams in the ceilings and on the walls alongside classic photographs, etchings and paintings of cricket matches and sporting personalities long passed.

There are even framed collections of cricket-themed cigarette cards, and when you sit outside in the small patio garden next to the car park your table number is identified with a yet another cricket bat. The Bat and Ball has changed hands recently, which is why I decided to visit it again. Fortunately, the new owners have decided to make no big changes, but to settle in first and work out what, if anything need be done to improve things.

I say fortunately as this pub has always proved atmospheric and friendly and the food has always been of a high standard. I would have been disappointed if it had been transformed and given a minimalist look - the amazing collection of cricket souvenirs that adorn the walls and ceiling is so much part of this place.

Despite being known for good food, this old coaching inn maintains an informal atmosphere which enables drinkers to feel as comfortable as those who have come to eat lunch or dinner. I have taken the dog here occasionally and am happy to say the new owners are happy for well-behaved dogs to join their owners in the bar area where food is also served.

A line of bottles is one of the first things you notice decorating the back of the bar. They are filled with Bombay mixes, nuts and nibbles that can be enjoyed with a drink at £1.75 a portion. Marston's Pedigree was the only beer on tap when we called, no doubt others will be available soon. As Marston's Pedigree is an exceptional premium ale and the sudden appearance of the sun called for a long drink, I enjoyed a half pint with my meal.

And, yes, we did choose to sit outside and eat on one of the four tables in the little patio area, we couldn't possibly let the first real display of spring sunshine go to waste. I chose the chicken breast stuffed with Stilton cheese and wrapped in bacon (£12.95), which was perhaps a mistake. I love Stilton and I love chicken, but putting them together just didn't seem to work. I ended up with a mixture of flavours which did nothing for my taste buds. I admit it looked good - but it was a mistake nevertheless.

Chris went for the home-made fish cakes (£13.95) served with bearnaise mayo, watercress salad and string fries and fared far better. They looked good and he assured me that they tasted good too. They were certainly stuffed full of fish. Other items on the menu included a selection of 12-inch, stone-fired pizza priced from £8.50 to £9.95 for a pizza marinara. From Monday to Saturday, a pizza lunch deal is on offer which includes a pizza served with tossed salad, coleslaw and a drink, for £8.50.

Other main courses on the main menu include: slow braised shoulder of lamb (£15.95), home roasted honeyed ham with rosti potatoes, black pudding and a fried egg (£9.95), beer battered fish and chip served with mushy peas (£11.95) and Madeira chicken funghi at £13.95.

We finished our meal with double espresso coffee at £2.50 each and reluctantly headed back to the office, leaving the heat of the sun for others to enjoy.

Wheelchair users will be able to gain access to the main bar area comfortably enough, but there's no purpose-built toilet for the disabled and there are small steps leading from the bar to the restaurant area.