With the success of Melton's now assured Michael and Lucy Hjort have turned their attention to establishing a less formal addition to their stable, apt terminology since the premises they have chosen were, until 1998, a saddlers.

The conversion has retained as many of the old features as are practicable, including the splendid horse's head on the front. However, that is the only nod towards French inclinations on flesh of which you are likely to see.

The café bar on the ground floor does, however, have a somewhat Gallic approach and pleasant informal eating is the keynote.

Upstairs in the larger bistro activity is rather more focussed and the same menu used in the café offers excellent meals drawn from a wide range of cuisines. The levels of precision and quality that have always prevailed in Melton's have certainly been translated here and the same applies to the wine list. Regular wine tastings are held, yet another expression of the mature attitude adopted towards gastronomy at both the Meltons.