1885, Stainland October 2011

Thanks to the miracle of Groupon we had a £39 dinner for £9. In fact we had 8 of them. The restaurant was very good about it. They extended the groupon offer to include any starter or any main from the menu when Groupon's blurb was more restrictive. The restaurant gave us top quality service and the food was top drawer.

Most of us went like me for Scallops followed by Daube of Beef and they were very good. Scallops, 3 of them were served on a long plate with garnish, salad and accompaniments that made it just perfect. Bread was free, butter also, everything was explained beautifully by the staff. Daube of beef had us worried to start with but it turned out to be shin and slow cooked and utterly brilliant. Unlike previous visits to this place for tasting menus the portions were substantial and the gravy was exotic - a friend who had lamb was overwhelmed by the pancetta and pea with mint gravy.

Few had desserts as the first two courses were so good and filling. 8 people had plenty of wine and beer and although the main part of the meal was just £36 for 8 people the extras came to £120 - wine at £6 a glass.

Still good and a fantastic birthday treat for 8. They do a prix fixe menu for £19 the waiter shouted at me as I left...