THERE are times in life when you eat something so exquisite, so earth-shatteringly brilliant, that you temporarily forget where you are, what you are doing and that you are pulling a comical and dazed expression as a result.

Such a moment took place at The Ivy Bath Brasserie. It was like being taken to heaven and back.

Despite being rather dim-witted, ignorant and myopic at times, word of famous things can reach my ears on the odd occasion. I had heard of the famous Ivy restaurant in London, so when I saw signs saying Bath would get its own version in October, I endeavoured to sample its, more than likely, delectable treats, post haste.

A week in advance, I secured the booking for 5.45pm, as it was full up from then until 9.30pm.

The beautiful Georgian building is as grand as it is striking. The high ceilings, chandeliers and immaculate and colourful decor are eye-catching enough from the outside, let alone when you venture inside.

The Milsom Street eatery is open seven days a week, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, light snacks, dinner and cocktails.

Once the pleasantries had been dispensed with, me and my friend, who lives in sleepy Congresbury, were led to our table by our ubiquitous waiter. He reminded me of the butler in the Adam Sandler film Mr Deeds, as he kept popping up out of the blue. “I am very, very sneaky.”

After much stroking of my imaginary beard, I went for the Steak tartare, which is hand chipped beef striploin with tabasco dressing, cornichons, shallots, parsley and an egg yolk on top (£9.25). My friend went for the duck liver parfait (£6.95).

She went for the better of the two, as the garnish complemented the meal superbly, but both were sumptuously presented, although I thought the seasoning for my dish was a bit too overpowering.

Next up was the main course. I plumped for the crab linguine (£15.95), claw and all, and my friend chose the salmon and smoked haddock fish cake with baby watercress (£13.50).

Once again, we were not disappointed. We both enjoyed a cavalcade of flavours which brought to an end a very pleasant meal. Or so I thought.

Two customers to my left ordered a dish called the chocolate bombe (£8.50) and our eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. By pouring chocolate over the dome-shaped dessert, the chocolate outer melted away to leave a mouth-watering treat of vanilla ice cream, honeycomb and hot salted caramel sauce.

I am not sure if it is possible to marry a dessert but if it was I would have raced off to the register office immediately. We were simply blown away by it. It was the best dessert of all time. Fact. I still dream about that dessert sometimes, it was miraculous.

There was no need to pass comment on it, our dreamy silence was more telling than words.

I almost forgot I had ordered a starter and a main course. I would return in a heartbeat just for that dessert.

I would also recommend The Ivy to anyone. It is not cheap but it is very, very good and there is so much choice.

The meal cost £71.40.

RICHARD MILLS