LISTENING to jazz can make your food taste better, according to a US study, which may explain why the Jazz Café at Sandbanks does such good business.

Researchers from the University of Arkansas discovered that this particular genre of background music had the biggest effect on how satisfying something tasted.

Last month we visited the café to hear the talent saxophonist Tony Kofi who was part of the cafe’s current Friday Night series.

Kofi who was born in Nottingham, has been a progressive force in British jazz, and was performing with the Dorset-based Andy Urquhart Quartet.

Located just a few sandy footsteps from the beach, the Jazz Café is undoubtedly one of best venues in the area, quirky, relaxed with a good varied menu.

Price wise its mid-range, but as part of the Friday Night it offers a set menu. You can choose three courses for £53, two courses for £48 or just go for the music for £26.

For starters we had a choice of Tian of crab with salsa verde and crostini, wild mushroom and thyme soup with warm ciabatta or chicken liver pate with red onion marmalade and crostini.

My daughter went for the soup which was elegant in presentation, perfect in texture, but lacked depth of flavour. My tian of crab was also artfully arranged with a more distinct balance of flavours.

The highlight of the meal was the main course whole sea bass stuffed with chilli,coriander and king prawns and served with sautéed new potatoes. My daughter had roast loin of pork with roast potatoes which was wholesome and a generous portion.

Although the food was good, it wasn’t quite in the same league in culinary terms as the calibre of the music but overall this is a wonderful combination for a Friday night out.

Next up is the ever popular Liane Carroll on Friday, November 24 which has already sold out. To find out about future events, call 01202 708 346 or email info@jazzcafesandbanks.co.uk. All bookings are subject to a £20 per person deposit.