THERE has been a real buzz about The Plantation since it opened its doors in Canford Cliffs at the end of November.

The pub, which was formerly the New Beehive, was acquired by The Upham Pub Group last year and underwent extensive refurbishment.

When we arrived on a Thursday evening a week before Christmas, the bar area was already buzzing with people.

We were given a warm welcome by the staff and taken to our table in the Colonial-style conservatory, which features a distinctive patterned tiled floor, big band background music and is adorned with ceiling fans and large banana plants.

The last time I visited this place several years ago, I found the food rather bland and the restaurant lacking in atmosphere.

But The Plantation menu is bold and imaginative, having been designed by head chef Darren Beevers, who has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants around the country.

The menu is divided into Nibbles at £2.50, Starters at £6, Mains at £13 and Desserts at £6.

I don’t usually like oysters but I couldn’t resist trying an oyster fritter from the Nibbles section which was lightly fried in a crispy crumb coating and served on a hot stone with seaweed mayonnaise. This is the first time I have ever enjoyed eating an oyster.

For starters I was intrigued by the sound of the pheasant dish with chocolate. Although it sounds an unlikely combination, it worked beautifully as the chocolate sauce was light with just enough sweetness to enhance the rich flavour of the breast meat which had been pan-fried with garlic and served with crispy broccoli and cabbage, a quail’s egg and a butternut squash puree.

Meanwhile my husband was savouring his chestnut soup with thyme and wild mushrooms, which was served with a mini loaf on a slate and a slice of butter sprinkled with sea salt.

He declared it was the best soup he had tasted in a long time and practically took the glaze off the bottom of the bowl.

By this point our expectations for our next courses were high and fortunately we were not disappointed.

I ordered the fillet of plaice, which again was the best fish dish I’ve had in a long time – milky white, melt in the mouth with a tang of lemon and served with a citrusy sweet sauce – superb.

I also loved the fresh, earthy flavour of the turnips and Jerusalem artichokes served on the side with a hint of chervil.

For dessert we shared warm chocolate mousse with mulled wine cake, pear and Christmas pudding ice cream ,which rounded off the meal a treat.

Each dish was well presented and the service was faultless.

This is affordable fine dining. Well worth a visit.