After 14 months of driving past it on my way to work I decided it was time to visit Truffles restaurant.

Situated opposite Shaw Hill Golf Club, the imposing building also doubles up as hotel with six bedrooms.

It's one of the establishment's little secrets but the quality of the cuisine is much more difficult to keep under wraps.

The first thing you think when you walk into Truffles is 'wow'.

It's very light and airy and you very quickly forget how close you are to the busy Preston Road.

We went on a Sunday and if you've got a family it's a good time to go.

Apparently on Friday and Saturday night it's very busy, but on Sunday it's much quieter and I didn't feel self-conscious about having two young children.

There's also a Sunday barbeque menu available, depending on numbers and the weather.

The menu is extensive and has an English/French theme to it and the produce used is local.

It's been designed by award-winning chef/proprieter James Ford.

He's a real character and has a real rapport with his customers.

James is also a pretty mean salsa dancer and recently hosted a successful salsa evening at the restaurant.

The restaurant, which has disabled access, has a capacity of between 60-70 people.

One of the recent additions to Truffles was the heated decking outside, which is sure to be popular when the evenings warm up!

However none of this would count for anything if the food wasn't first class. But that's not something they need to worry about, as it's fabulous.

We started with some fresh bread before moving on to the proper starters.

My wife had oven baked half red pepper, filled with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with herb crust and a touch of honey vinaigrette.

It cost £4 and I can't tell you how good it was because Mrs Maguire wasn't prepared to share!

Needless to say it got the thumbs up from her!

I had the button mushrooms cooked in garlic butter with fresh herbs and served with crusty bread.

It also cost £4 and was money well spent.

For the main course, I opted for the obligatory Sunday roast and I wasn't disappointed.

I was tempted by the roast beef and Yorkshire pudding with herbed roast potatoes and rich wine gravy for £9.95 but decided instead for the turkey roast with stuffing.

There was a good portion of fresh vegetables and my daughters both had the same.

All three of us were unanimous in giving it the thumbs up.

My wife plumped for the minted rump of lamb with Moroccan spices vegetable tangine and aromatic couscous.

It also cost £9.95 and was first class.

When you're enjoying yourself you're always more willing to push the boat out and have a dessert even when your bulging tummy is screaming ' NO'.

Such was the case at Truffles.

The wife and I shared a dessert consisting of a mix of sticky toffee pudding, a brandy snap packed with fresh fruit and triple chocolate parfait.It wasn't the best idea as Mrs M and I aren't very good at sharing but neither of us could fault the puddings, which start at £3.95.

The deceptive thing about Truffles is that despite the fact that the restaurant creates a feeling of luxury the prices are affordable.

Magnifique!