The Raft Restaurant

On The Parade, near the popular Heights of Abraham and Gulliver's Kingdom, you'll find The Fishpond. An open log fire is the focal point of the spacious bar area, which branches off to different rooms, each with its own individual character. There is The Raft Restaurant, a library with rugs, sofas and a piano, and a cosy nook with semi-circular sofas surrounding small tables - ideal for intimate dining. This is where we enjoyed our meal.

Starters of spiced pressed pork with subtly pickled vegetables and St Maure goat's cheese salad with aged balsamic vinegar were delicious and beautifully presented, setting the bar high for the following two courses. My main course of fish broth comprised tasty chunks of coley, haddock, salmon, prawns, leek and spring onion, and was served with hearty bread - which I used to mop up the exquisite wine and cream sauce. From the specials board, my companion ordered duck with chard and red cabbage, which she declared tender and very tasty. She finished with a wedge of homemade treacle tart and creme fraiche, while I devoured a serving of tangy mango and passion fruit sorbet.

Offering both traditional and more innovative dishes, with a wide range of wines, spirits, beers and real ales to complement, The Raft Restaurant is not to be missed. Take a peek at the spacious ballroom upstairs - a popular venue for gigs and private functions