IF first impressions are anything to go by, the Bell at Eckington got off to a good start. The modern coffee and cream colour scheme, chunky oak furniture and contemporary artwork in this gastro-pub ensured a warm welcome and a friendly face guided us to our seats in a surprisingly large restaurant area.

Glancing at the menu it was apparent there was a large selection of firm favourites, alongside some more daring options - and all at very reasonable prices.

There was also a specials menu from which I chose my starter of tiger prawns with a lemon, garlic and butter dressing (£6.25). The prawns were mouthwateringly moist and the delicate flavour was not overpowered by the zingy dressing - which also served to perfectly dress the accompanying mixed leaf salad.

My partner opted for the baked goat's cheese, cranberry and walnut tart (£5.45) which could only be described as average.

The flavours were all there, but the response after the first mouthful was: "I've had better."

Next for me was the delicious sounding butternut squash, goat's cheese and spinach canneloni (£8.85).

What turned up was not to my taste. The large plateful of leaves which had been peppered with a few tomato quarters and, oddly, a sliced egg, was equally uninspiring.

My partner's cod and chips didn't fare much better. The batter appeared to have failed to hold its own in the deep fat fryer resulting in a somewhat soggy fish.

Having been disappointed by the main courses, we held out more hope for the desserts.

I opted for the most interesting sounding option - coconut, cardamom and lime panna cotta with brandy snap biscuit (£4.65).

The panna cotta was the perfect dreamy, creamy consistency but the punchy cardamom flavour proved to be an aquired taste.

My partner's cheese and biscuits (£4.95) were slightly more successful, boasting plenty of brie, cheddar and stilton.

A cafetiere (£2.50) finished off what had been an average but - at £61.55 including a bottle of £20 Don Jacabo rioja - reasonably priced meal.

THE BELL,Church Street, Eckington.Telephone: 01386 750033Service ****; Food **; Value ***; Ambience ****