THE first thing to say before dining at Truly’s is to make sure you don’t eat anything all day beforehand. Don’t be fooled by its taster plates menu.

They recommend three small plates person, but in our opinion, two plates each is plenty. I’m vegan, so I was very curious about what they had to offer. And boy, they didn’t disappoint.

We booked a table for two on a Saturday evening and the atmosphere was a perfect blend of chic and informal.

One of the highlights are the introductory nibbles. The orange and chilli marinated olives are a real gem (£2). The tear and share mini home-baked loaf is served hot from the oven with homemade garlic butter, (side step this if you’re plant-based of course) and served with a delightful sage pesto dip (£3.50). The openers quite frankly blew our minds. Both taste-bud sensations and a must try.

The nature of the small plates taster menu means that there is no traditional starter and main course divide. As each small plate is ready, it is served at your table. This makes for an interesting change, especially if you are a fan of sharing.

Another welcome addition is that the vegan selection takes the front page.

I opted for the burnt and braised Savoy cabbage served with red cabbage purée, pickled white cabbage, spiced dukkah nuts and cumin dressing (£5), and truffled celeriac rosti served with a wild mushroom purée, crispy sage leaves and toasted hazelnuts, raspberry and maple vinaigrette (£4.50), with smoked swede steak and purple mash potato, pickled cauliflower and roasted chestnuts, with parsley purée and a cider vinaigrette (£7). In any normal day, I absolutely detest swede, but this little number was positively enchanting. Phew!

For meat and fish lovers, there is also a great selection to choose from too. Despite being plant-based, I have to say that the dry aged sirloin of beef served with blackberry and dark chocolate purée, truffled hasselback potato, salsify, pickled blackberry and juniper jus (£12.50), was a work or art. My good friend loved it immensely. As much as I’m vegan and very spirited about eating consciously, I do appreciate a decent chef’s creativity.

To finish, the vegan matcha and coconut cheesecake with toasted cashew base, strawberry coulis, strawberry compote and mint syrup (£7), was very interesting.

Wine-wise, Lauren continues her flare for detail and passion for unique experiences, with a lovely boutique list that suits most budgets. What stands out though is her rustic range courtesy of independent wine supplier, Les Caves de Pyrene.

We went for the 2017 dry blush Reserve de Gassac, Selection Guibert, (£27). Light, crisp and delicate on the palate.

Price of dinner and drinks for two: £80

Truly’s of Westbourne has only been open a couple of months and yet it has already risen high above most of the competition locally. It’s sparkly façade and warm ambiance inside makes for a special treat indeed. Culinary excellence personified.

Verdict: Truly’s is a privately owned, relaxed and intimate 30-cover low-lit restaurant in Westbourne village; offering laid back, elegant British cuisine. Its creative menu changes every month and is freshly cooked, seasonal, locally sourced and handmade with love, care and attention, all curated by Hungarian chef, Adam Marki-Fejes.