It wasn’t a particularly nice day when we found ourselves, feeling a bit peckish, at lunchtime in Sherborne.

There was an unrelenting drizzle, and a chill breeze, so most shoppers were wrapped up and hidden under umbrellas.

It was the big box of fresh produce in the window of The Three Wishes cafe and bistro that caught our attention. Filled with tomatoes, onions, vibrant greens, potatoes and a large marrow it drew us to the window and peering beyond we saw a number of cheerful (and warm looking) customers tucking into their meals.

Once inside we found it was quite a large restaurant. There are lots of simple light wood tables and wicker chairs set on a stripped wood floor. We were shown to a nice spot, where we perused the very varied menu.

There were some interesting options such as Durdle Door Ale braised beef with local mushrooms and puff pastry, new potatoes and red cabbage or slow cooked veal pie with rosemary mash and savoy cabbage and bacon. There are also extras like bubble and squeak and sea salted chips.

My husband decided on steamed Sherborne lamb and apricot pudding, spiced red cabbage and gratin potatoes, whilst I chose from the blackboard specials, grilled plaice fillets served on wilted spinach with mashed potato, tarragon cream and poached hen’s egg.

My fish, and poached egg, were perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious. The spinach was full of peppery flavour, and the tarragon cream an excellent complement to the dish. I had fancied something quite light, and this fitted the bill perfectly.

Jeremy’s meal was a traditional steamed suet pudding which, he said, was absolutely marvellous. Classic rib-sticking winter fare that was both comforting and exceptionally tasty. The subtle sweetness of the apricots were the perfect accompaniment, he said, adding that the experience was delightfully offset by the spice of the cabbage.

There were some interesting desserts too. I went for an orange steamed sultana sponge with cider syrup and clotted cream. With light, moist sponge, this was really yummy and a perfect dish to follow my main course. As for Jeremy, he went for warm double chocolate brownie with dark sauce and ice cream (it was his birthday, so I said nothing). He said that the foul weather and bitterly cold day outside was the only excuse he needed. Rich and satisfying, it appeared to hit the spot perfectly.

I noticed, as we were waiting for our coffee, that every table in the restaurant was taken. There was the buzz of conversation and many satisfied looking customers. Behind my husband were five men wearing camouflage jackets who spent some time perusing the menu, before all plumping for ham, egg and chips; when it came, it looked delicious, and they all tucked in happily. A note on the Three Wishes website indicates that much of the meat, fish and vegetables are from local suppliers, and certainly the food we ate was of superb quality.

Our meal for two with coffees and a large bottle of mineral water cost £37.25.