From the outside, the barn-like building resembles something that was put together on a sunny afternoon by a determined team of Amish men folk.

Wide windows allow a view out to the rolling pastures of the Epping Uplands, and to one side, the open kitchen reveals a view of the kitchen staff happily working away.

The ingredients on the menu are all locally produced, “organic where possible” and cooked to order.

Most are also available to purchase in the shop.

Starters include duck breast salad with spiced plum chutney or organic smoked salmon with creamed horseradish. And for a main, how about sweet potato, feta and spinach tart with minted broad bean salad or free range chicken breast wrapped in Serano ham stuffed with stilton and served with butternut squash.

We ordered crab and chickpea fritters with chilli jam and sour cream, and the goats cheese wrapped in filo pastry with a pear, walnut and watercress salad to start.

The wine menu, whilst not extensive was varied and they also had a good line in organic beers and ciders.

We settled on a bottle of Novas Central Valley Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot from Chile which went well with all that we had ordered and it was a bargain at £10.90. Presentation was very good with decent-sized helpings.

My goats cheese starter was superb and complimented by the tasty dressing of pear and walnut salad. My partner enjoyed her fritters, set off with the piquant chilli jam.

There was a peaceful atmosphere with friendly and efficient staff who were quite happy to chat. For main courses I ordered lamb shanks cooked with rosemary and thyme and served with mash potatoes and vegetables while my partner chose the rib eye steak with beetroot relish, potato wedges, roast cherry tomatoes and béarnaise sauce.

The lamb was superb with the meat falling off the bone, and probably one of the finest shanks I’ve eaten.

Both red meat dishes were cooked exactly as requested and it’s not often that happens.

My partner’s verdict on the steak was good too. Flavoursome, piping hot and creatively arranged, it was all pretty wonderful.

The only flaws were that the vegetables were a bit overcooked and the potato wedges could have been crispier.

There was a tempting array of in-house desserts including pavlova or crème brulee with plum compote.

We settled on sharing a serving of cinnamon roasted apricots, polenta cake, toasted almonds and crème fraiche, an interesting and thoroughly delicious departure from the usual sticky toffee pudding.

Overall we had a very enjoyable meal at a reasonable cost and would recommend anyone a visit. Our bill came to £54.60.

AT A GLANCE

Ashlyns Restaurant

North Weald, Essex

CM16 6RZ.

Email restaurant@ashlyns.co.uk

To book call: 01992 52 4441

Opening times: Monday - Friday lunch served 12pm-3pm. Saturday-Sunday lunch served 12pm-3pm Saturday and 12.30-3.30pm Sunday. Friday and Saturday evenings 7pm-9.30pm. Parking: on site

Family Friendly? Yes

Value for money: Very good with great- sized helpings