I tried Telford's new restaurant opening this week - and it produced a wonderful meal
It's a place that wouldn't look amiss on the Amalfi coast, sitting alongside the beach with a glass of Grappa in your hand.
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Willow in Telford is the latest restaurant to open in the Southwater Way leisure area, an area which already boasts a host of fine eateries, including a wings place, several pizza places and a haven of American food.
With all of this in the surrounding, what did Willow have to offer that might set it apart from the competition? I decided to go down and take in the sounds, smells and tastes of the restaurant before its official opening on Tuesday.
As a way of testing out its wares and getting ready for the general public, Willow held an invitation tester night last Thursday, a night where you could try out some of the items on the menu, as well as the various drinks on offer behind the bar.
You can't miss Willow as you're walking through Southwater Way, all light and airy on the outside, with lots of plans on the walk in and tables stationed at the front for people wishing to eat al fresco, albeit not on a chilly September evening.
The team were also friendly on arrival, providing me with the first of the complimentary drinks, a non-alcoholic sparkling white wine (again, taking on driving duties meant being sensible), and leading me to my table.
The restaurant, as with the outside area, has a walkway down the middle and seating on both sides, with white netting on the ceiling, flowers on the beams above the seats and a wall display of many different bottles of alcohol all visual treats on the interior.
My table for one was comfortable, with a nice padded seat surrounded by cushions, and I also had the company of a potted plant on my table, a nice decorative touch.
On top of that, the staff were friendly, without being overly attentive, and took time to explain how the evening would work, with a selection of items from the nibbles, starters, salads, mains and desserts menus, as well as whatever I wanted to drink while I was there.
The place was packed with couples out on dates, families taking the opportunity to have a nice meal together and friends having a few drinks and a chance to catch up over good food.
