Where can I start in praise of this elegant, warm, seductive little place? Tucked away under the tiered stone steps of a small Stockbridge Street littered with independent boutiques, ivy and fairy lights coil round the iron railings, while pretty hanging baskets adorn the entrance. Once inside you are greeted by an intimate low ceilinged restaurant of just ten tables, with stylishly upholstered cream chairs, thick white linen and black walls. Quietly opulent and decorated with more fairy lights, this place is simply enchanting. The staff are friendly, attentive and poised but entirely unpretentious, which pretty much sums up the whole atmosphere.

Their well stocked drinks list is enough to keep you entertained for a great aperitif before your meal, and I strongly suggest you take your time over what promises to be a fabulous dining experience. Sundried tomato bread arrives, oven warm, with an unusual and delicious chive and chervil dipping sauce, followed by a divine chef’s welcome/amuse bouche, a small but perfectly formed tomato and goats cheese tartlet. The A La Carte menu is a feast, we had the salad of parma ham, mozzarella and figs with rocket pine nuts and balsamic syrup, which was simple and delicious, and the seared scallops with a spring onion blini, crushed vine tomatoes, bacon and sage, which was sea fresh and a delightfully unusual combination.

A passion fruit sorbet cleansed the palette, before the main course of pan fried fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef with a few roast potatoes, chanterelle muchroom, peas, carrots, spinach and a port wine sauce. The meat was juicy and melt in the mouth and the sauce rich and fragrant, but our only criticism was the long list of vegetables turned out to be exceedingly small in proportion to the meat. The hot gateau of goats cheese, walnut frangipane and aubergine with char-grilled vegetables, rocket and basil pesto was perfectly balanced and truly scrumptious!

But the real stars here, despite the wonderful savoury courses, are the puddings. Hot chocolate fondant with white chocolate mousse and raspberries, and Vanilla and lemon cheese cake with strawberry salad. These speak for themselves! The petit fours that followed with our coffee topped off what can only be described as a near perfect dining experience.