NESTLING in one of Hampshire's loveliest towns stands one of the county's least-heralded top-class restaurants.

Broad Street Brasserie, formerly Caf Cresson, offers fine food with good service in a building full of character. What more could you ask for?

The black and white-tiled ground floor has a small number of tables but most diners are led up the narrow creaking stairs to the first floor.

Awaiting them is a lovely Georgian room with high windows and a gently sloping floor to catch the unwary. The dcor is simple if a little austere, but provides fine views up and down 18th century Broad Street.

The food too is excellent, offering traditional and more exotic dishes reflecting the background of the young Australian owners. My partner and I opted for the hot and spicy option as starters - tiger prawns in filo pastry with sweet (honey) chilli sauce and fresh white crab with a mango, coriander and red onion salsa.

For the main course, we played safe with a fillet of beef and a sirloin steak with a delicious walnut and blue cheese sauce.

The service was memorable from people who seemed to actually enjoy what they were doing, which makes a change.

A meal for two was not cheap, costing about £65. But this restaurant is strongly recommended.

Reservations: 01962 733246.