THE RAM INN, Cliviger

ALTHOUGH we were given a wooden spoon to mark our table number, this pub grub got top marks not the booby prize. In fac,t to call it pub grub seems almost insulting.

The pub is a beautifully converted barn which has been adapted over the years to provide the perfect setting for a relaxing meal and the food itself mixes traditional with the more inventive.

Service was first class and it came as no surprise to learn that the village pub has won Vintage Inns' mystery diner competition for the last two years, beating 180 other pubs nationwide.

Once settled in next to one of several blazing log fires we studied the new Spring Season menu. I started with breaded mushrooms on a bed of mixed green leaves with a deliciously creamy garlic dip while my partner chose the ham, mushroom and cheddar melt which also included tomato and onion on toasted ciabbata bread. Either of these would have been enough for a main meal if accompanied with vegetables or a larger salad.

For my main meal I opted for roasted red pepper Wellington -- a dish of puff pastry filled with roasted red peppers and creamed spinach and stilton served with glazed charlotte potatoes, broccoli, carrots and leek.

As a vegetarian, it was great to try something new and the impressive menu included three equally tasty looking main meals as well as sandwiches and starters also fit for non-meat eaters.

My partner went for chicken arabbiata -- spiced succulent butterfly chicken breast on a bed of pasta in creamy tomato and basil sauce served with garlic bread.

I rarely give full marks but in this case they were well and truly deserved.

DONNA McKENZIE

FOOD *****

DRINK *****

SERVICE *****

ATMOSPHERE *****

CAR PARKING *****