IT’S not very often I tell you a restaurant is unique, but there are no others quite like this.

It was a nostalgia trip for myself and my parents when we visited recently anyway, they having worked shifts there when my godparents owned The Blue Hayes nearly three decades ago. But for anyone this is like taking a step back in time.

I don’t mean that in a bad way. Don’t expect to be met with anything ageing or past its best.

What I mean is that The Blue Hayes still retains every inch of the traditional charm which made it one of Hampshire’s top restaurants during my early childhood. Think fine cuisine in a rural setting.

The restaurant is located close to the Hampshire Collegiate. It’s a beautiful thatched building on a windy road in the heart of Hampshire’s beautiful countryside, but yet it’s only five minutes from the centre of Romsey.

We visited on a chilly November evening and were met with a warm welcome from our hosts, relatively new owners who have now been in charge for just over a year, and a stunning inglenook fire.

My companions and I chose from the special menu, priced at £9.95 for two courses or £11.95 for three courses, and I tasted every dish so I can tell you first hand how special they were.

My duck and port pate melted in the mouth, the mackerel salad was a tasty delight and even the Parma ham and melon, sometimes a bland dish, was a wonder.

Next up was the wonderful vegetarian option which was a delicious mix of vegetables, chick peas and a tomato-based sauce on a bed of peppers. The delicate salmon was superb and the tender pork was topped with a fabulous and original mustard and cider sauce. All this was served with a healthy portion of some rather fine vegetables and several types of potato.

We rounded off our very satisfying meal with a selection of champagne, lemon and raspberry sorbet mixed with fruit.

The Blue Hayes also has an excellent choice of wines and drinks, an outdoor terrace and grounds perfect for a summer party and a very reasonably priced Christmas menu for the forthcoming festivities.

If you’re looking for a special place for a special occasion or just a place to impress in the beautiful Test Valley countryside, look no further.

The Blue Hayes, Salisbury Rd, Shootash, Romsey, SO51 6GA. Tel: 01794 513353