PERHAPS more eclectic than the menu at Hold the Anchovies is the decor- friendly staff welcomed a friend and I into the restaurant in Witham with its almost regal atmosphere.

There were Union Jacks and patterned carpets, Mona Lisa hung behind me on the wall. There was also something vintage about the place with antiques that lined the shelves- a white rabbit with a pocket watch had caught my eye.

The menu at the restaurant in Newland Street includes traditional pub classics with a twist. To start my friend had tomato soup and I chose nachos- a favourite of mine with dollops of guacamole and sour cream. These were devoured quickly and we reclined in the sun, an acoustic rendition of Justin bieber's 'Baby' set a chilled ambiance.

I looked at my main course with apprehension, having felt queezy for a few days. I had chosen the Govner burger, layered with bacon, onions and cheese. It was a stunning course, but an extremely fiddly one to eat- it nearly ended up on the floor.

I couldn't finish it all and so sat and appreciated my friend scrape clean his dish, which had contained a cottage pie- flakes of beef brisket put a tasty twist on tradition.

For a starter and main course at lunchtime the set price was £10.95- which we could by no means complain at.

The desserts were by far the best course for the both of us. I chose a chocolate melt, baked to order, and my friend went for a cappuccino creme brûlée which arrived accompanied by a chocolate chip cookie.

My dessert was gone before I had time to appreciate it, which is a compliment to the chef entirely. I could have eaten it three times over.

All in all it was a tasty, filling meal. Our only reservation was with the staff who could have been a little more attentive on a quiet Saturday lunchtime, but it is by no means a criticism.

We would both happily go back for seconds.

Starter and main - Set price £10.95

Chocolate fondant - £6.50

Cappuccino creme brûlée- £5.50

Food- 4/5

Décor- 4/5

Atmosphere- 4/5

Service- 3/5

Value- 4/5