I DECIDED to visit the Boat House in Bradford on Avon, having seen it several times since moving to the area. It looked idyllic, situated on the canal with a fine menu of pub classics.

The atmosphere was very relaxed with the seating area by the window giving us waterside seating.

Our waiter was very polite and friendly giving us options when we asked about the gin and wine choices. He did seem new to the job, so he wasn’t too sure on what gins were available, but he was keen to give good service.

I ordered Tarquin gin with lemonade (£5.20). It didn’t disappoint and was full of flavour. My guest ordered a small glass of Pinot Grigio (£4).

I ordered the braised feather blade of beef with mashed potato, glazed carrots, red wine jus (£15.45). The beef was soft, tender and succulent.

The beef was slightly stringy but perhaps it was the feather blade cut, as I had never tasted it before.

The mash was creamy, the carrots looked too good to eat, as did the red wine jus, the only thing lacking was more of it.

My guest had the halloumi burger, which came with skin-on chips (£9.95).

We were puzzled by the attention this order got from the staff, who repeatedly made the point that this was a meat-free burger.

It appeared a previous customer had not understood the nature of halloumi and been disappointed, so full marks to them for customer service.

My guest thought the burger was great with big portion size and good value.

While we were finishing our mains, a live band started setting up.

The band were great. The only downside was me and my guest couldn’t hear each other.

We both decided to go for pudding.

I couldn’t decide between a chocolate brownie or cheesecake of the day but on finding out the cheesecake was lemon I couldn’t resist.

The cheesecake (£6.45) was very tasty with a smooth texture so what more could you want – sadly, it was lacking in lemon flavour.

It tasted more like a New York cheesecake. I really wanted that lemon kick, especially as the portion size was huge and the raspberry compote on the side gave it a sharp tang.

My guest went for the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce (£5.95). She said the pudding was delicious.

The bill came to £48.60 which I thought was great value for high standard food.

Erin Wright