WHAT a difference a name makes. A few years ago Henry’s restaurant in Canford Cliffs became Harry’s and was given a makeover on a scale that Gok Wan would be proud of.

Every time we pass the place in Haven Road it always looks so inviting so when we had a chance to dine there last Thursday we jumped at it.

And it’s not just the name that’s changed. The whole place has been redecorated, the layout is different and it’s now a trendy, lively bistro.

It was buzzing with people of all ages either sitting at the bar or tucking into mountains of food at smart pine tables.

For starters I tried one of the specials, an avocado and prawn gratin packed with prawns in a cheesy, creamy sauce with slivers of perfectly ripened avocado.

My husband’s spicy parsnip and leek soup which was served with a scattering of crunchy croutons was so tasty and creamy that he almost scrapped the glaze off the bottom on the bowl.

The starters came with a basket of thickly sliced fresh home-made bread and pats of butter.

When it came to choosing our mains I plumped for a starter-size bowl (which was ample) of mussels in a creamy, white wine sauce with a subtle hint of garlic.

My husband’s steak and ale pie came with a huge pastry topping the size of a small loaf floating on a medley of tender steak, sweet button onions, mushrooms and carrots in a rich, tasty gravy.

It’s not the cheapest place to eat but you do get generous man-size portions of good quality no nonsense home-cooked food.

The ambience and atmosphere is spot on too. Our meal which included two halves of lager and a large white wine spritzer came to £42.