Queans was taken over in 2005 by Laura Hamilton, who was formerly a chef-manager in Warwick, she offers a selection of dishes that are both inventive and tempting to a pleasing degree, and as a result she is now enjoying well-deserved popularity in Leamington Spa. Laura has been a chef locally for the best part of 20 years during much of which she was Head Chef at The Grand Union Restaurant, before her three years at Robbie's in Warwick.

As might be expected her menus are pleasantly challenging with starters such as crab and spring onion fishcake served with a lemon and lime dressing; artichoke and asparagus tart with a toasted almond salad, or broccoli and smoked brie soup.

Main courses move along with the likes of pan-fried wild duck breast served on a bed of wilted spinach and baked Portobello mushroom, served with a whiskey and ginger gravy; medallion of pork served on a bed of chive and lemon rice, finished with a yellow pepper cream, or supreme of chicken stuffed with a basil and mascarpone mousse, poached in a creamy garlic sauce.

For those of a seaward inclination there may be grilled whole black bream glazed with orange and sweet mustard and finished with a watercress dressing. Vegetarians will surely rejoice in the delicious tarragon pastry basket filled with a layer of chickpea mousse, braised courgette and leeks, topped with roasted beetroot.

Laura's homemade ice creams are legendary and arrive at the table with fresh baked cookies. Wildly popular is the peach and raspberry suet pudding served with custard, cream, or ice cream, and sometimes, we are told, all three. The rich chocolate and orange cheesecake is a clever blend of flavours, but for many the simple sharp tang of a fresh fruit cocktail, well laced with cointreau has familiar appeal. To play safe go for the banoffee pie, an international favourite that never fails to please.

From all of which it will be obvious that Laura is certainly no slouch in the kitchen and explains why those with an eye for food that has been prepared with care and imagination are beating a path to her door.

The wine list is equally full of character with some nice Burgundy and really daring reds from South Africa, Chile, Spain and Italy. Two dessert wines are listed, including an intriguing rich Black Muscat from California.

As one might expect the general layout and presentation is cool and elegant, in keeping with the service. This is a restaurant that would hold its own well in London, and in Leamington Spa it is indeed a gift sent from on high. They were the proud winners at the Coventry and Warwickshire Food and Drink Awards 2006 for Best Restaurant and Excellence in Quality and Customer Service.

If you want to know more about this superb restaurant, then their Website should prove to be a mine of information.