I HAVE, in the past, had occasion to be critical about restaurant service; establishments where the quality of food has been excellent, but the standard of service has been poor.

After my meal at the Titchfield Mill I can honestly say that they have got everything right. I would even go as far as saying that other eateries could take a leaf out of their book.

Three of us arrived fairly early on a Saturday evening and we managed to grab the last empty table, which was situated near the serving counter.

The menu is not overly large so our decisions were made slightly easier. Even so everything sounded incredibly tempting. I joined the queue at the food counter and was greeted with a smile and an apology for the wait. My order was taken and I was given a numbered wooden spoon to place on my table.

Our starters, two portions of breaded mushrooms, followed soon after. These were delicious - piping hot with a tasty garlic mayo dip.

As we ate our starters we couldn't help but notice the queue at the counter getting longer and longer, possibly signalling a lengthy wait for our main courses. But no, they followed shortly after our empty plates had been cleared.

We had chosen a Hunter's Chicken, a chicken, bacon and leek pie and a cod and chips. The size of the fish was so large. I'm surprised the waitress could carry it on her own. I'm sure she was glad we were sat so near to the kitchen!

My chicken dish came with tasty Cheddar mash and the day's choice of fresh vegetables - carrots and leeks. The chicken was in a tangy barbecue sauce and was draped in crispy bacon. My mother's pie came in its own dish complete with a perfectly puffed pastry lid.

The bill came to under £30, a bonus on top of the excellent food and first- class service.