The Keep in Warwick is something of an institution. Like the famous castle that dominates this prettiest of towns, The Keep is blissfully ensconced in the local landscape, as much a part of the place’s history as jousting and medieval banquets.

So, I defy anyone not to take great pleasure in visiting this classiest of restaurants. Whether it is for lunch to sample one of the outstanding light bites and sizzlers on offer, for an à la carte dinner of the highest quality or to indulge in the famous ‘Fresh Fish Thursdays’ where you can devour two courses for £17.95, you will not be disappointed.

To take a few examples from the lunch menu; spinach and ricotta ravioli in a tomato and herb sauce, wild mushroom and lemon risotto and The Keep’s rustic shepherds pie are all delightful and that is without mentioning the delicious sizzlers like chargrilled blue fin tuna and medallions of beef fillet, all served on a bed of stir-fried vegetables.

The à la carte menu is just as promising with starters such as king scallops and steak, ale and mushroom pudding and main course stand outs like confit of Tamworth pork belly served with chorizo sausage on stewed red cabbage and finished with an apple Calvados sauce and pan seared calves liver with dried Parma ham and creamed mashed potato, topped with crisp onion rings and a red wine sauce.

Finish your feast with a rich chocolate torte served with a raspberry coulis or Granny Jessie’s sherry trifle and you will be convinced you could show those medieval kings a thing or two about banquets – just make sure you order a taxi home.