WE both liked Gallaghers' The Restaurant as soon as we walked in.

Wooden floors, white-washed walls, beamed ceiling and lots of old nik-naks - including an ancient phone box in the corner.

Before being shown to our table, we were seated on a leather sofa close to the bar, brought drinks and left with a couple of menus.

Scanning the place from this position, at the same time trying to decide what to pick wasn't easy, but we managed it.

For starters we turned to the specials blackboards, conveniently put up next to the sofa.

I ordered avocado (£3.95) to begin with.

I love avocado, and was pleasantly surprised to find it served with Parma ham, and not the usual prawns - which I don't like.

My boyfriend chose mussels (£3.25), his favourite.

He was more impressed than I was with his choice, as they seemed to have skimped somewhat on the avocado - about a quarter of a "pear" elegantly displayed with slivers of ham.

Before this course arrived, we'd already tucked into some hot crusty bread and raw vegetable dip, which was on the table when we were seated.

Appetisers on the regular menu range from home-made soup of the day, at £2.25 to smoked duck and waldorf salad, £3.95.

Our main course was Sirloin Mexicana for him - a steak, topped with spicy tomato, chilli and pepper sauce finished with sour cream, for £13.95.

Brandy-soaked

For her, it was Medallions of Pork, rolled up and filled with brandy-soaked apricots, served with a creamy mustard sauce - £11.25.

Both these dishes were gorgeous.

To accompany the meat, there was a small bowl of salad each and a small plate of creamy potatoes to share.

Somehow I had expected a few more accompaniments, but the quality couldn't be faulted - it was top class food.

The other choices on the menu, including lamb wellington and supreme guinea fowl, as well as the more ordinary fillet steak with tomato, mushrooms and onions, all sounded equally appetising.

Prices range from £10.95 to £14.95.

There is also one fish course - which changes daily - but only two vegetarian options: broccoli and stilton bake and mushroom and walnut risotto, for £8.25.

Despite a warning in the menu: "We are not a fast food outlet and all our dishes are cooked to order using only fresh market produce," both courses arrived promptly.

The waitress service was also efficient - if slightly impersonal.

To round off the meal, I had a coffee and diet-busting George V Pancakes (£3.75) with black cherry and cassis sauce, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while my boyfriend enjoyed a Gallaghers' special: Galliano Hot Coffee.

Treat

This was a wonderful liqueur coffee, served in a special glass, topped with fresh cream, which comes with chocolates and mints. A real treat for the non-driver, at £2.75. Our total bill came £45.70 - not cheap but worth it.

The restaurant is situated at the back of the Gallaghers Free house pub, and has plenty of parking facilities, with good access for disabled people.

For children, there are half portions at half price, as well as some all-time kids' favourites.

There is an "early diners" menu - different from the one we tested - available all evening on Tuesdays and between 5.30pm and 7pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Prices range from £6.95 for two courses to £10.25 for three courses plus a glass of house wine. IRMA HEGER

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