Plum Brasserie at the Bishop

Formerly the residence of the Bishops of Winchester, this hotel restaurant, under award winning chef David Creuzet produces quality locally sourced food with a high measure of integrity, that are excellent value. The hotel itself is a handsome Georgian town house - have you noticed how well these prelates used to be accommodated - that has just opened under new ownership (2007) and is filling a real gap in the historic town of Farnham, and was speedily awarded two AA rosettes.

Starters of traditional French onion soup certainly make an opening statement, and delicate crayfish marinated in lime juice are served on a baby leaf salad, and the duck foie gras 'torchon' is accompanied by caramelised apples and almonds.

A paupiette of chicken is stuffed with black truffle pate and asparagus, cayenne and honey cream sauce, and served with basmati rice, making a thoroughly appealing dish, but topping the odds for those really wishing to test the skills in operation at Plum Brasserie is the tournedos Rossini, with Perigueux wine sauce, sitting on a crouton of brioche with sauté foie gras served with dauphinois potatoes and sauté green beans.

Fish gets a look in with grilled tuna loin steak, or a whole seabass 'a la Riviera', and for vegetarians a filo wrap of Mediterranean vegetables and goats cheese is served with a red pepper coulis.

Desserts excel, and a banana tart tatin with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce maintains the pace, closely followed by crème brûlée with a hint of lavender, or a hot chocolate fondant dessert with crème anglaise and vanilla ice cream.