It’s almost impossible to do justice to the instant charm and friendliness of JRooL, Stroud’s newest eatery. Tucked away in a back street, the building itself dates back to 1645 as the former stables of the tavern opposite, but now is a sympathetically-converted intimate bistro seating up to 40 people for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The emphasis of the weekly changing menu is on fresh seasonal produce. Meat, game and vegetables are sourced locally and fish and seafood are delivered three times a week from Cornwall; meaning it’s well worth a visit if you are tempted by rock oysters, grilled scallops or perfectly-smoked haddock. Six starters, six mains and around four desserts are offered in the evening, but you’ll still find it hard to choose between the freshly cooked, generous dishes.

A typical selection might be confit of red onion and Brie tartlet with mixed leaves, followed by lemon sole goujons with fries and salsa verde mayonnaise, all finished with a creamy baked chocolate cheesecake. Should the goose breast with mushrooms, French beans and sauté potatoes grace the menu on your visit, I can certainly recommend you order it.

Couples and small groups relax here, although it makes a perfect escape for single diners too. This family-run restaurant opened in the autumn of 2007 and has already built up a reputation for its superb food – after a visit you’ll know exactly why.