The surrounding community certainly make good use of this little gem - mums come in for coffee in the mornings after the school run, it is very popular with walkers and, in the evenings, it is a favourite watering hole for locals. With its bohemian feel, created by low wooden ceilings, stripped floors, candles everywhere and lots of cushions for comfortable seating, The White Lion offers laidback dining at its best.

The proprietors are aiming to give customers a totally pleasurable dining experience and it is apparent straightaway that there is an exciting approach to food here. At the bar there are delicious snacks to sample including a selection of nuts, chillies and home-made cookies. If you are after something more substantial, you can order sandwiches with interesting sounding fillings from the bar menu.

My culinary journey began with chicken liver pâté with red onion jam (£6). This traditional dish was simple and tasted sublime. My partner had Arabic marinated pilchards with chilli flat bread and tzatziki (£6.25). This generous portion was beautifully presented and subtly spicy.

For the main event, I indulged in lemon sole, chilli and shellfish chowder (£15.50) which was crammed full of loads of lovely fresh ingredients. My partner went for braised lamb shank with couscous and a Provençale sauce (£14.50) - succulent and full of the Mediterranean flavours of peppers, aubergines and courgettes.

The service is friendly and professional and the restaurant menu is incredibly diverse. Changed daily, it is evident from the menu that the chefs enjoy experimenting with ingredients and creating new and ingenious recipes. This is particularly noticeable when choosing from the selection of ice creams - on our visit the flavour of the day was lemon and bay leaf, an absolutely inspired combination that was truly delicious. Whilst my partner was drooling over his ice cream, I sampled the pomegranate cheesecake. Unusually presented (the base, middle and topping all being separate), I enjoyed every spoonful.

All of this was accompanied by a great Spanish wine, Mayor de Castilla Ribera del Duero, which was very good value at £13.95. We finished with coffee served with tiny homemade cakes from the kitchen.

The White Lion, relaxed and understated, is a must for all food-lovers.