AT the back of the cosy pub, with modern seating and colourful decor, sits the main attraction of the White Horse Brasserie.

The precursor of Silks Bar makes an ideal venue for predinner drinks, with its low lighting and comfy chairs, but the brasserie is definitely the star of the show.

As soon as you step into the light and airy restaurant, the staff make you feel welcome.

There is plenty to cast your eye over, with wall-to-wall glass giving a pretty view of the attractive patio, lit with strings of fairy lights, and many paintings to admire.

Our drinks order was quickly taken and the beverages delivered to our table, along with some warm and delicious bread, interestingly seasoned with spices.

After much umming and aahing over the large menu – which suits most pockets, from chateaubriand roasted double fillet of steak for £56 to the more modest fish and chips for £13.95 – I chose the chicken breast with rosemary potato, caramelised onion and pancetta, which I was delighted to see was free range and didn’t break the bank at £15.25 on the a la carte menu.

The set menu also offered a tempting selection of seasonal dishes – all locally sourced – priced at £15 for two courses or £17.50 for three.

Every bite of the chicken was delicious, with a sweet and tender accompaniment of roasted onion and very moreish potato. The husband’s corned beef hash with a duck’s egg and buttered spinach was also very well received, and I was assured it was an excellent take on the classic and comforting staple.

Fortunately the meals were just the right size to leave enough space to cast my greedy eyes over the large dessert menu, which again offered a bit of everything.

I chose a trio of sorbets, with every scoop refreshing, and the intense flavours of raspberry, lemon and apple offered a perfect palate cleanser.

While the husband’s generous portion of rice pudding with poached rhubarb left him almost immobile, he declared it was worth it for the pudding that could only rival his gran’s!

The White Horse Brasserie, in Market Place, Romsey, offers impeccably friendly service, accompanied by delicious dishes that suit most wallets.

Jen Rivett