Beyond the grand white pillars that cascade the halls and in through the dimly lit bar fitted with beige leather seating, the entrance to the De Vere's restaurant sits hidden around a corner as though it were a secret treasure just waiting to be discovered.

After all of the anticipation of finding the place I had built up an appetite so big I'd have been happy finding a burger van around the corner.

Fortunately, the Park Brasserie restaurant couldn't be further from a burger van.

Mellow music, mouthwatering smells and the soft, flickering light of the candles reached me before the greeting smile of our waitress, who promptly sat us at our table.

More a fan of Eastern cuisine, I was dubious of the simple English food with a twist' that the advertisement promised.

The menu offers all of the meaty and traditional dishes that I had feared, but that my partner adores saddle of lamb, slow-roasted duck' but there were plenty of alternatives to choose from.

I was delighted to discover a starter menu that included everything from a mixed Indian platter to the Park Brasserie prawn salad both priced at £5.25. I opted for Oriental fishcakes in a coriander and chilli dressing served with a crisp sesame salad (£5.25); my partner preferred the idea of the oriental crispy duck with pancakes and hoi sin sauce (£8.25).

The fishcakes, served as a portion of three, were light and the sauce was so delicious that, had I forgotten my surroundings, I would have licked the plate clean!

My partner's duck came as a quarter portion served with six pancakes and was adequate to satisfy as an entre dish.

Two large, colourful fish-tanks, brimming with tropical fish brighten up the simple decor of the restaurant, painted in hints of reds and cream.

An open theatre kitchen is also on hand to add enough intrigue to pull you away from your dish momentarily.

For the main course I decided upon the poached supreme of chicken stuffed with pimentos, new potatoes, a trio of beans and mango salsa.'(£14.50) Present company chose an 8oz fillet steak (a little pricey at £20.50), cooked rare with peppercorn sauce (£1.50). Both dishes arrived promptly. Excellent.

Now when it comes to eating out I am somewhat Americanised' in my expectations and tend to assume gargantuan proportions, If you are the same you may not appreciate the Park Brasserie's more modest servings.

The portion was more than adequate as a meal and the presentation is so brilliant you almost feel guilty for eating it.

Then came a dilemma. I was torn between my cravings for chocolate and the temptation of the strawberry crepes with clotted cream so to help with my decision the patient waitress ordered me the crepes topped with chocolate sauce as well.

My partner ordered the devilish warm chocolate mud cake with vanilla ice cream.

Both were delicious, both were very generous portions, especially considering the nouvelle cuisine we had previously enjoyed.

In all, the occasion was made wonderful by the delicious food, excellent service and pleasant atmosphere that the Park Brasserie is expected to bestow.

The restaurant is also vegetarian friendly, with meat free options available for every course and each sounding equally tempting.