IF you are venturing into Chester and want somewhere nice to eat then you should try 1650 St Johns inside the Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel which is in the heart of the city.

This boutique–style hotel’s restaurant has been given a complete makeover and offers a mouthwatering selection of fish and steaks.

On our visit we were well looked after by maître d Steven Draper.

Lights in glass decanters are suspended from the ceiling in the bar area and the restaurant has a good mix of cosy booths as well as bigger tables.

There is an impressive range of wines as well as cocktails and a decent selection of gins like Hendricks.

We started our meal sharing the Spanish Board which consisted of chicken and chorizo brochette, pork and thyme meatballs, crispy paprika whitebait, lemon and garlic marinated prawns and traditional tortilla. It was a great mix of flavours and textures and not too overfacing.

For the main course I chose an 8oz fillet steak, matured for 21 days, served with hand cut chips, plum tomato, flat mushroom, watercress and a Diane sauce. The steak was cooked to perfection and melted in your mouth.

My husband chose grilled highland and anchovy rubbed rack of lamb, which was served with a jus, seasonal greens and fries. He said it was delicious and the jus complemented the lamb perfectly.

We chose an Australian merlot called Foundstone and were also served a jug of iced tap water, always preferable to having to buy bottles.

Despite being rather full at this stage the dessert menu was too tempting.

As a chocoholic I opted for a white chocolate cheesecake served with passion fruit which was gorgeous.

My husband couldn’t help himself when he saw one dessert had ale in it so chose a dark chocolate stout gateau made with hand crafted ale.

A great dining experience, a peaceful environment and top class food.

Visit macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-new-blossoms-hotel/

NICOLA PRIEST