IN case you haven't heard, the Kings Head in Sidbury, Worcester, has had a facelift. It now has a smart new exterior, a restaurant upstairs and there is new decor throughout.

It may have only just re-opened, but business appears to be booming.

When I phoned to book our table for the Friday between Christmas and new year the upstairs restaurant was full and the only table available was in the bar area - a promising sign.

Sure enough when we arrived at 7.15pm the place was bustling and with almost every table full the atmosphere was vibrant.

We were shown to our table, which being next to the front door was a little draughty, but that aside, we settled down to admire the smart new interior and study the menu.

Anyone familiar with the Kings Head's sister pub the Swan at Whittington will recognise much of the menu. To start I chose the prawn crayfish and crab timbale with leaves, lemon and caper dressing, priced £6.

A mound of succulent seafood arrived, bathed in a creamy mayonnaise. The prawns, crab and crayfish were delicious. However, I wasn't personally taken with the bread on the side, which wasn't fresh and my tired salad leaves had certainly seen better days.

My friends ordered smoked haddock and chive risotto, poached egg with shaved parmesan, (£6), and seared scallops, king prawns and peppers with rocket citrus dressing, priced £7.

The risotto, which had been recommended to me before my visit, was by far the greatest hit. The generously filled bowl was tasty to the point of being moreish and the food melted in the mouth.

The prawns and scallops were much appreciated for their tangy taste, but the size of the portions - just two of each - was a big disappointment, especially considering the price.

For main course I chose the fillet steak medallions and king prawns in brandy with Dijon cream sauce, King potatoes and green beans. At £18 it was the most expensive choice on the menu and I wasn't disappointed. The steak was lean and cooked to my liking. The sauce was rich, but not overpowering. I loved the potatoes and the generous helping of fine green beans still had a crunch - just the way I like them.

My friends chose the fillet of seabass on olive crushed potatoes with tomato and basil vegetables, (£15), and lemon and herb crusted cod on course grain mustard mash with roasted cherry tomatoes and green beans, priced £14. Both were a success. The three pieces of seabass were, I was told, lovely'; the fish perfectly cooked and melt-in-the- mouth. The accompanying potatoes and vegetables were in a delicious' tomato sauce.

The flaky white cod with its crunchy crust was another success - well cooked and flavoursome. The only slight criticism was that the mustard mash was a little overpowering.

For dessert we opted for sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream and raspberry and vanilla crème brûlée, both £5. The steamed toffee pudding was surprisingly light, very sweet and a real treat on a cold evening.

The brûlée, accompanied by shortbread biscuits, was very tasty, soft and creamy with a crunchy topping - just how it should be.

There was a good wine list, from which one friend chose a large glass of Merlot, priced £4.50, although she would have liked an organic option.

The Kings Head is a welcome addition to Worcester's dining scene.

Some may consider it a little pricey, but if it matches the Swan at Whittington on service and quality of food there's no doubt this smart venue will continue to be popular. The menu is packed with delicious options leaving diners spoilt for choice.

THE KINGS HEAD, SIDBURY, WORCESTER Tel: 01905 726025SERVICE: *** FOOD: **** VALUE: *** AMBIENCE: ***