Chandlers, Lichfield

Sophisticated is one word I would use to describe Chandlers bar and restaurant in Lichfield city centre, writes Laura Blyth.

The bistro is steeped in history, situated next to Market Square in the 19th century Grade II Corn Exchange building.

The restaurant, decorated throughout with wooden floors, cream painted walls with plenty of pictures andÊan impressive chandelier hanging from the ceiling, was virtually empty when I visited at 6.30pm.

It has a relaxing atmosphere, helped by the easy-listening music ringing around the room. The tables were perfectly set, with pressed white table cloths, all the cutlery you would ever need for a meal and a vase of fresh flowers in the centre.

I decided to go for the set menu, which included a starter and main course for £14.

To start with I had the mushroom filo tart with balsamic dressing.

As we were the only two people dining in the restaurant, the starters came out very promptly. The tart was decorated nicely with balsamic dressing and a handful of rocket leaves, which always complement a meal very well.

The pastry was crisp and the filling of mushroom and egg with hints of sage was very appealing.

My partner plumped for the chicken liver and fois gras parfait, thick-cut toast, melon and ginger chutney (£6.75). The dish looked like a work of art on the plate. There was a large slice of the p‰tŽ, two pieces of thickly toasted bread and a dollop of chutney, as well as the obligatory rocket leaves.

My partner commented that the p‰tŽ was smooth and bursting with taste. The chutney was sweet, with chunks of fruit, and complemented everything else on the plat very well.

For my main course I went with potato gnocchi with courgette, sunblush tomato and oregano mascarpone. The dish was brought out in a pasta bowl and was packed with peppers and red onion.

The gnocchi, something I'd never tried before, was soft and covered in the creamy cheese and tomato sauce.

My partner went with the crispy duck confit, oriental vegetables and egg noodles, plum sauce at £12.75.

The duck was cooked to perfection and simply fell off the bone. It came out on a bed of soft noodles which were soaked in a sweet plum sauce. My partner had no problem finishing the dish off and added it was the best duck she'd ever eaten in a restaurant.

Neither of us had any room for a dessert but to satisfy my sweet tooth I finished off with a hot chocolate (£2.60). It came out in a tall glass with a cream top. My partner finished with an espresso (£1.80).

The meal came to £40.35 which was worth every penny for a wonderful meal and relaxing night out in the beautiful city of Lichfield.

Chandlers, The Corn Exchange, Conduit Street, Lichfield, WS13 6JU

Tel: 01543 416688