Intimate and comfortable, the restaurant is dominated by the original forge that dates back to 1728. Authentic blacksmith tools add to the rustic charm, which, together with the high-pitched roof and exposed beams, feeds the imagination whilst you enjoy a dining experience to remember. Propietors Adrian and Susie Brunswick have created a welcoming haven in this grade two-listed building that caters for the hungry walker, the romantic meal for two, or a celebration with friends.

Feeling fully relaxed with a glass of chilled Chablis, I perused the tempting menu. Open field mushrooms gently sautéed then topped with locally-produced melted Barkham Blue cheese, provided the perfect opening to what proved to be a fantastic meal. Much to his annoyance, a few of my companion's tasty plump moules marinières found their way onto my wandering fork, and clearly evidenced the restaurant's fresh ingredientsonly policy.

For the main event, you are spoilt for choice by a selection of fresh fish, pastas, salads, meat dishes and traditional offerings. After much deliberation, my succulent breast of Barbary duck, oven-roasted with cherries and cherry brandy served with French beans and duchesse potatoes, arrived shrouded in rich luxuriant aromas and tasting just as good.

Desserts were just as tempting, but I could not resist the homemade banoffee cheesecake which concluded a truly decadent meal in style. The many other home-made desserts, and a varied selection of Farmer Gosden's luxury farm-made Jersey ice creams, will make this decision just as difficult for any diner. As part of the May 2005 refurbishment, the Brunswicks also opened an inviting 20-seat alfresco dining area to complement the ever-popular beer garden.