5 STAR SHROPSHIRE REVIEW by Rex Key

'We were soon ushered inside and the temporary hiatus on the pavement contrasting with the warm and cheerful welcome inside added to the feeling of exclusivity.

Raphaels is a small intimate restaurant with just nine tables but it punches well above its weight when it comes to quality dining. Libby and I enjoyed an excellent meal there several years ago and a return was long overdue.

Roger and Mary have run Raphaels for over 12 years and offer an extensive and imaginative menu that provides an eating experience worth waiting for. Settling down in the comfortable lounge amidst the tasteful décor and furnishings.'The thoughtfulness continued in the dining room where there were fresh flowers and miniature oil lamps on the tables.'

For starters the choice was mouthwatering. I fancied Smoked Chicken and Avocado but the last portion had been taken so I had Spiced Goujons of Fish with Watercress and Lime. They were delicious and increased my anticipation of further delights in store?Libby is a cheese fan and so the Roquefort and Walnut Salad with Grapes and an Olive Oil and Vinaigrette met with her approval.

We sat back and savoured the ambience, with unobtrusive musak featuring the restful melodies of Acker Bilk, with selections of Sinatra, Streisland and Nat King Cole. A period to reflect, before more serious delights are tackled.

Raphaels Fillet Steak was a delight. The brandy and cream based Cordon-bleu sauce was exquisite.Libby was torn between Sea Bass and Swordfish. Bass is beautiful and Raphaels serve it with Saffron Sauce. So Grilled Bass it was and it didn't disappoint. I begged a mouthful and it was so light and creamy it hardly needed the saffron.

Vegetables were Dauphinois, mange tout, Mediterranean mix of courgette, pepper and aubergine, and carrot puree with nutmeg. The carrot rendered Libby almost speechless, it was stunning. I could eat a dishful on its own,she said.

After a bottle of sparkling Australian Rose with such a super succession of sensations it was almost too much to think about desserts, but they were too tempting to pass up. I crunched my way through the Walnut and Butterscotch Tart and Libby somehow found room for the Vanilla Cream Ramekin with Raspberry and Drambuie Coulis. They were well worth squeezing in.The coffee was almost limitless and Terry's mints completed the experience.'

ATMOSPHERE: Restful and intimate, almost homely

SERVICE: Efficient and considerate