We were the only customers there, so I figured there would be no excuses if the staff failed to exercise all their energies in ensuring we received top-notch service and food of the highest order.

You might be worried on hearing there were no other diners. But it was 4pm on a Saturday afternoon after all, an unusual time at which to be looking forward to your main meal of the day.

The reason for the strange timing was the fact we had set off late that morning on a 10-mile circular walk around some of the
beautiful surrounding countryside.

Without sandwiches to keep us going, we had developed quite a hunger by the time we had changed in the car – classy – and stumbled wearily into our destination.

In terms of decor, The Inn fuses the best of the old and the new. Old oak timbers, wood-burning fireplaces and traditional stoned floors and walls are combined with a bright, airy and modern feel.

And we had the run of the place. The friendly barmaid-cum-waitress got us each a thirst-quenching Coke and beckoned us to sit where we pleased.
We chose a pleasant window seat and perused the menu as cheesy "crooner" music filled the room.

Meat and fish dishes are the order of the day, although there are also a choice of English pub classics. I liked the sound of the naturally-smoked haddock and black pudding mash (£10.95), which was served in a grain mustard cream with mange tout, baby corn on the cobs and carrots.

The tender fish was cooked to perfection, while the chunks of black pudding hidden away inside the potato were a welcome addition and something different.

The mustard cream gave the dish a rich, tangy kick, while the vegetables were nice and crisp.

My girlfriend went for one of the specials: grilled sea bass fillets with new potatoes, rocket salad and balsamic syrup, served with the same nicely cooked vegetables (£13.95).

She sung the praises of the delicate fish, fresh salad and tasty sauce.
We both had room for pudding. I decided to be a devil and try the "Sin at The Inn" (£5.95) – a trio of chocolate tart, chocolate brownie and chocolate liqueur.

In truth, it was a bit over-rich, but I did particularly enjoy the chocolate tart. My girlfriend chose the chocolate sticky toffee pudding £4.50), concluding that while it was nice enough, "you shouldn't mess with sticky toffee pudding".

In all, it was a very enjoyable meal. The food was well-presented, our waitress attentive and the surroundings pleasant.

No wonder, then, that as we said our goodbyes customers were starting to come through their doors for dinner at a more orthodox hour.
Rob Devey