So it seems I am dining in rather illustrious company.

Renowned TV chef Gordon Ramsay, holder of more Michelin stars than you can count on the fingers of two hands, has graced us with his presence at a new Romsey eaterie.

But just a few days before the visit of the celeb chef extraordinaire, I tried out the Cromwell Arms for myself.

Previously Casa Bodega, the premises have been transformed into a gastro pub with plenty of indoor and outdoor space for socialising, drinking and dining.

The menu is really special and not at all your every day pub fare, but there is still room set aside for those who just wish to enjoy a few drinks.

The wine list is also notable - no doubt the work of former UK Sommelier of the Year Mark Walter who runs the place with his wife Helen.

My friend and I were greeted warmly when we arrived for a midweek supper and enjoyed a glass of wine as we perused the varied a la carte menu before being seated for our meal.

Both being cheese addicts, we opted for grilled goats cheese, balsamic glaze and fresh herb salad to start.

A feast in itself, it included a good sizeable portion of goats cheese with beautiful accompanying flavours.

We both finished every morsel and were soon served our main courses.

My spring vegetable and rocket risotto, topped with Parmesan was the perfect light main for a summer's evening. It was really flavoursome and full of a most unexpected and delightful variety of seasonal vegetables.

My friend enjoyed a lovely rich corn fed chicken breast, which was stuffed with wild mushrooms and served with creamy mash and greens.

We found the staff at the Cromwell Arms really friendly and attentive and they didn't seem to mind at all that we ordered yet another glass of wine and hogged the table for the whole evening.

All in all, The Cromwell Arms boasts a lovely homely atmosphere, great food and excellent wine.

But you don't need to take my word for it. Someone who knows a great deal more about food than me has been dining there! LR The Cromwell Arms, Mainstone, Romsey, SO51 8HG. Tel: 01794 519 515. thecromwellarms.com

3:47pm Wednesday 9th July 2008

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