The Piercefield, St Arvans near Chepstow

MY companion and I were a little surprised when we turned up on a Saturday night.

We found many empty dining tables at what we'd heard was a popular family pub restaurant, so we were a little apprehensive.

Nor were we overly enamoured at what seemed to be a fairly basic menu.

But the proof of the pudding is in the eating and our fears were rapidly overcome with the excellent quality of the food we received.

I indulged in the surf and turf and had a beautifully cooked steak and prawns (although I would have preferred them without batter) and some man-size home-made chips and salad.

My friend opted for a lamb chop and vegetables, but it was a large one and she said it was the best she had ever tasted, and this is someone who knows her food.

Both of us had starters, carrot and coriander soup for me and prawn cocktail.

Again we thought they were of a good standard.

The food was washed down with a bottle of Pinot Grigio and a couple of pints of beer, so the total bill of around £43 was pretty reasonable.

The service, although informal, was up to scratch.

We were a little confused when we arrived, having booked a table, and not being sure where to go.

But, due to the lack of diners, we had a choice of tables.

It's a shame the place was so empty because the food was great and I've paid a lot more for a far inferior meal.