ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Raphaels

Locked away in a narrow street in the old village of Shifnal, Will and I decided to go warmly greeted by the owner who escorted us to the lounge area which felt relaxing and very comfortable with soothing music that filled the room.

We were asked what we would like to drink and I decided on a glass of house red and Will, who was driving, opted for a soft drink. The drinks arrived with a plate of very tasty cheese sticks. The wine was at perfect temperature and tasted delicious.

After checking out the menu we were stuck for choice. Raphaels offers something to suit everyone including fish, chicken, duck, steak or vegetarian options.

To start, I chose the apple and gruyere tart with dressed salad leaves, £4.95, with the aubergine, tomato and feta cheese pancake with sweet pepper and tomato dressing, £11.95, for my main course. Will had salmon and crab fishcakes with a lime and olive oil dressing, £5.25, and loin of cod with butter beans and tomato sauce, £12.95.

Our starters arrived and looked amazing! They were beautifully presented and served. My tart melted in my mouth and had a perfect combination of tastes. Will adored his fishcakes which came with a perfect complimentary dressing.

After cleaning the plates we went onto the main course. My aubergines were cooked to perfection along with the rest of the ingredients. Will informed me that his cod tasted divine and was wonderfully complimented by the butter beans.

We were so full but just had to try the dessert menu.Will chose baked peaches stuffed with amoretti and chocolate and I opted for the chocolate amoretti truffle torte. It arrived looking like heaven on a plat and tasted the same too.

In our opinion, this beautiful, warm, friendly and elegantly decorated restaurant can not be faulted.

Debbie Eldridge