REVIEW: THERE's a lot of posh nosh to be had in Malmesbury, but precious little of it can be enjoyed in a restaurant environment, unless, of course, you want to push the boat out and go for sophisticated dining at The Old Bell hotel.

But for the four of us, dressed in our Sunday scruffiest, something a little less formal was called for.

The trendy-looking Med appeared only a few weeks ago, beckoning shoppers with its bright yellow facade and an ambitious menu, which was sent to local householders in a smart promotional move.

Inside it's as chic as out. Lilac-coloured wicker tables and chairs are positioned on two floors of the converted house, and an analogue clock is projected on to one whitewashed wall. The stripped wooden floors and doors give The Med a rustic feel, while a state-of-the-art bar in the corner and up-tempo background music brings the place bang up-to-date and sets a city-style mood.

The Continental-style menu is good value, with lunch courses at under £10. I went for the pan roasted chicken breast with red pepper couscous and roasted vegetables.

The cous cous arrived in a neat circular shape and was nice and gentle on the palette, and the meat was beautifully cooked, although more sauce would have been welcome.

Both men had mussels (more than either are used to, ho ho), with homemade bread and chips. The mussels' sauce, they told me, was distinctly easy on the tastebuds.

My sister-in-law opted for the salmon and coriander fishcakes which were beautifully presented alongside homemade chips and a perky Med salad. The fishcakes could have been a little warmer, but were deliciously crispy.

Once my nephew had tucked into his own lunch in a high chair supplied by the staff, we moved on to desserts.

I opted for a cappuccino crme brle with homemade shortbread.

The caramel topping was as thin as ice, as it should be, and the coffee-flavoured centre was gorgeously subtle, if a little granular in texture.

My brother opted for the chocolate and pear tart with clotted cream ice cream.

The pastry was great, but the ice cream was the real triumph a rich mixture which tasted as good as it looked and on its own is worth returning for.

Both desserts arrived with artistic caramel sculptures perched on top. It was a stylish touch that for me placed The Med in the realms of fashionable food.

The relaxed atmosphere encouraged us to stay for coffee, which was served in trendy Italian cups.

Our visitors are used to dining out in Putney and proclaimed The Med to be as good as any outlet to be found on the edge of the Thames.

The Med's one drawback is that last orders for dinner are taken at 9.30pm; it's no large sacrifice, though, for a stylish evening out.

Debby Salmons

Fact file

Order food between 11.30am-2.30pm and 6.30pm-9.30pm.

Booking advisable

Parking is available in nearby Cross Hays carpark in Malmesbury town centre

Double doors allow for wheelchairs

High chairs available

The Med, 2A Silver Street, Malmesbury (01666) 825545