The Stable Brasserie

It is run separately from the formal restaurant and has a different menu.

The Beeches is a pretty building set back from the main road and hidden by trees.

You walk into the Stable Brasserie at the side of the building and find yourself at the reception area, where you give your name, then find a seat in the waiting lounge and look through the menu while you enjoy a drink.

The decor in the waiting area, especially the carpets, looks dated, but it is warmly lit and a comfortable place to sit back and relax.

We decided to dine early on a Friday evening, one of the busiest times of the week, and although the bistro was very popular we were asked for our order and shown to our table after 20 minutes.

The Stable Brasserie's £6.95 two course deal is very popular and we decided to choose from the special menu.

There were nine starters to choose from. These included soup, melon and sorbet, seafood spaghetti, trio of eggs and garlic bread with cheese.

I opted for the smoked mackerel, which was oak smoked fillet, presented cold with a citrus lemon mayonnaise and french leaf salad.

Fish is an unusual choice of dish for me, but it was worth the risk. It was succulent and the salad was delicious and refreshing.

My partner chose the garlic mushrooms. Sometimes with deals like this, you are punished with minute servings, but the bowl was full of juicy baby mushrooms.

My parents, who dined with us, both had pate, which looked like an excellent choice. There was plenty of pate, served with cumberland sauce, a salad and warm toast.

There were nine main courses to choose from, which included mixed meat skewer, seafood casserole, duo of fish and chicken and bacon pasta.

I chose the rump steak, which was served with a baked tomato and buttered mushrooms. I could have chosen to have it served with a Bordelaise sauce, which may have been a better option.

The steak was very tasty, but when served with chips and vegetables it was a little dry. My mother chose the sauce option and it was very good.

My partner opted for the escalope of gammon, which was served with fried egg - although you can choose pineapple - chips and vegetables. It was given an excellent review.

My father chose the beef Cantonese, which also looked very good. It contained rump steak, mushrooms, peppers, water chestnuts and bamboo shoots. He said it was extremely satisfying.

There's plenty of chips and vegetables served with the main courses, resulting in a satisfied stomach.

We decided to try two of the desserts between us. They cost £3.75 each. We chose the sticky toffee pudding, served with steaming hot custard, and banoffee tart, a delicious combination of banana and toffee flavours.

With four spoons they were finished in record time. The sticky toffee pudding in particular was a hit.

The total bill came to £35.30, which is excellent value for quality food.

The special menu is available from noon-10pm Monday to Tuesday, noon-7pm Wednesday to Friday, noon -6pm on Saturday and noon to 9pm on Sunday.

The dishes on the special menu do change from time to time.

At other times, the prices are more expensive, but there is a bigger choice. The blackboard in the foyer is crammed with specials and the menu is extensive.

Starters range from soup of the day (£3.50) to prawn in garlic (£4.95). Main courses include salads at around £9, chicken and bacon (£9.25), brandy and mushroom parcel (£8.75) and strips of wood pigeon (£9.95).

No bookings are taken for the brasserie.

The Stable Brasserie, The Beeches, School Lane, Standish. Tel: 01257 426432.

Open Monday to Thursday noon-10pm, Friday-Saturday noon to 10.30pm and Sunday noon to 9pm.

Star rating ****