Peach Tree Restaurant, The

If I said that The Peach Tree is probably the nearest the historic town of Shrewsbury gets to sporting a neighbourhood restaurant, I might be sticking my neck out, but I am going to take that risk. Located opposite the Norman Abbey Church, Peach Tree dates back to the 15th century but the present feel is for contemporary, linking easily with the older parts of the building.

Remarkably spacious, the restaurant has space for around 230 covers overall in various different areas, with generous opening hours. An all day brunch menu from 10 am to 5.30 pm offers sturdy favourites including The Full Works, which I will leave to your imagination. The a la carte starters could feature 'imaginatively prepared' soup of the day, a classic Japanese Bento box, or freshly steamed Belgian mussels.

For mains expect to find chilli tempura battered seabream with dressed spring rocket and a saffron and dill mayo, honeycomb glazed duckling legs from Lunsdale with a pommery mustard mash and sweet and sour blueberry dressing, or Polenta crusted corn-fed chicken astride a basil mash.

Head Chef Chris Burt seems to have a soft spot for seafood and the specials will often come from that quarter. Whether he feels the same about desserts is not recorded but certainly the choices are more than tempting with a sharp lemon curd tart, apricot bread and butter pudding and a rich chocolate and cherry cheesecake amongst the favourites.

The cheese selection is rather special too, including St Agur, Rouquefort, Welsh Goat's cheese and - of course - some of that wonderful Shropshire blue, to name but a few.

A lunchtime cafe menu is available with a good range of tasty snacks that will not cause you to think of returning to the home-packed sandwiches, however palatable.

In Shrewsbury, the home of Tanners, it would be unforgivable for a decent restaurant not to have a wine list that rang the changes with élan. The Peach Tree does not fail there either and an extended list offers plenty of choice at reasonable prices, quite often with some interesting bin ends coming up.

More masses more information, including menus and details on holding private parties there, why not visit their Website?