I'VE often walked past this restaurant and looked into what seemed like a vibrant, warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We were certainly made to feel welcome when we arrived on one of the busiest nights. The waiting staff came straight to us when we entered and, after taking our coats, offered us a table for two immediately.

It's not a big establishment, but there are a lot of tables and a bar area with comfortable chairs if you are waiting for a table.

In some respects you may initially conclude, owing to the large number of tables squeezed into the place, that this is a business aimed solely at making big profits.

But when the menu arrives, you'll see that the Clocktower's primary focus is on interesting food and a wide variety of it.

For starters my companion went for the homemade fishcake with a cream tarragon sauce while I opted for mixed mushrooms in garlic butter.

Both dishes were exceptionally tasty and reasonably priced. In fact, I was left longing to try some of the other starters, which simply means I'll have to make a return visit soon.

The pan-fried marinated lime and chilli king prawns with mixed leaves and the tomato and mozzarella salad dressed with basil oil sound particularly intriguing.

There are eight set main courses with plenty of others on the chef's daily specials board.

I tucked into some pan-fried duck breast with cranberry relish and roast new potatoes, while my guest enjoyed roast breast of chicken with a bacon red wine and shallot sauce on a bed of mashed potatoes.

There is also a wide selection of salads and side orders on offer, and we enjoyed some vegetables of the day.

The wine list is extensive, with at least one in red and white from nearly every region where the grape grows.

We went for a bottle of Italian Pinot Grigio with our meal and were quite at ease to enjoy our drinks after the meal while the staff were preparing to close for the night.

The waiting staff were on hand all evening whenever we needed anything, and we were not rushed in any way to get a move on, which is often the case in some restaurants.

I must admit I had reservations about the Clocktower, because I used to really enjoy eating at Nick's Bistro, which was the premises' former occupant.

Despite some changes to the decor that I did not think were necessary (ceiling beams have been painted), this is definitely one to go back to.

It would be particularly good to try out some of the desserts, including the warm pancake filled with rum and caramel bananas, topped with whipped cream. Yum!

Some of the lunchtime offerings look good, and I would imagine the full English breakfast to be something a bit special.

The Clocktower is at 4 Station Road and reservations can be made by calling 01992 575707.