Rosendale, The

The Rosendale has more than a smack of history about it  Formerly a Victorian coach house, with a carefully restored Royal Doulton tiled façade, it has now been taken over by the inspired team who brought The Greyhound in  Battersea back to life and reopened in June '07.

Whilst it may be categorized as a gastropub it is, as one might expect, one of a very high order. The décor is dignified and clean cut almost to the point of minimality, yet it has none of the chill sometimes associated with that style.

Starters of woodland pig's head roulade, rosendale home smoked eel and salmon, or citrus rubbed yellow fin tuna make a statement that is unequivocal and precise. Mains pick up the baton with kezie farm ostrich fillet, pistachio stuffed rabbit saddle, or pan roasted turbot fillet with squid ink tagliatelle.

Bread and butter pudding, dried grapes with homemade crème fraiche, a good selection of Italian cheese, or buttermilk pannacotta display the same firm touch. An excellent wine list is made even more so by the availability of over 20 wines by the glass, making adventurous drinking in keeping with the menu an absolute must.