THE art of the deal. No not the book of the ferret haired Donald Trump - just having a keen eye for a bargain.

My dear old papa has it. I certainly have it. They, and by ‘they’ I mean predominantly me and maybe… seven… other mates of mine, do not call me ‘Deals Mills’ for nothing.

Such a deal came-a-calling when I saw a three course meal for £18 at the Three Gables - an idyllic restaurant befitting of the town’s character and charm - winking at me; this set-lunch menu could not be ignored.

Me and my tennis comrade Robin entered in attire about as appropriate as going to a wedding in scuba gear but nonetheless we were shown to our seats with cordiality we did not merit.

I have been to a fair few restaurants in my time, but not once have I been shown to a drinks table, where we ordered apple juice and coke and then taken to another room to have our meal. Luxury.

An assortment of cutlery was brought to the table, some of which I had never seen before, but thanks to the helpful waiter he made me look like not a complete idiot.

We chose the set lunch menu, at the expense of the tasting, a la carte and vegetarian menus, and by golly was it tasty.

The food portions were exquisitely crafted and sumptuously presented.

For starters Robin went for the butternut squash soup, which got better with every spoonful, and I chose the ham hock and chicken terrine, partly because I liked the name, which delicately nourished the pallet.

Next up for me was the hake with caramelised onion and mixed vegetables, which was lightly seasoned, nice and tender and with a good mix of flavours.

Robin had slow roasted belly pork with creamed potato, seasonable vegetable and cider jus which he said was, ‘Cooked to perfection – wunderbar’, although the vegetables were a tad crunchy.

For our third and final course we both had the Guayaquil chocolate moelleux with white chocolate ice cream. This was a real treat. It certainly beats the petits filous yoghurts I get, this was melt in the mouth stuff.

Our waiter was very knowledgeable, friendly, the service was excellent, the place was immaculate. Six courses and two drinks for £41.50, absolute bargain. My old man would have been proud.

St Margaret's Street, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1DA, 01225 781666

www.thethreegables.com

Parking: None.

Times ratings:

Food: 9/10

Choice: 8/10

Decor: 9/10

Customer service: 8/10

Two course set-menu meal: £14

Three course set-menu meal: £18