Jenko's Mongolian Barbecue, Telford

"Mongolian barbecue?" These two words sparked some strange looks when my other half suggested we take my side of the family to Jenko's restaurant at The Compasses Inn, Ketley, for a quiet family get together.

Stuart and I had been before, some time ago now, and we had some good memories, so we thought it about time to add to those.

"What exactly is a Mongolian barbecue?" asked one member, slightly puzzled.

"You'll soon find out" I replied, not wanting to spoil the surprise, so I booked a table for the coming Thursday at 7pm.

Thursday evening came. From the front of the building, The Compasses has all the distinctive characteristics of your friendly, local pub, with its clean white walls, picnic style wooden tables with potted plants dotted here and there. Stepping inside, you're at once greeted by an intimate bar area with comfy sofas and open fireplace – no doubt very welcoming in the colder months.

The restaurant sits to the rear of the building and really is quite something.

Jenko's home is a rather grand and spacious log cabin, with green views through the windows and across the outside terrace. Walls are decorated with creative Mongolian arts, string lights wrapped around wooden beams sparkle, and the warm glow from candles flicker on the large wooden tables, making the atmosphere cosy and inviting.

We were warmly greeted and shown to our table where orders for drinks and sides were taken, before we were all asked if we knew how the Mongolian barbecue worked.

In a nutshell – you fill a bowl with your selected raw ingredients, season with spices and/or sauces, and it's then cooked in front of you by chefs armed with long, wooden sword-type utensils on a huge sizzling griddle, then help yourself to a ladle or two of rice or noodles.

We all couldn't wait to get stuck in and create our personalised dishes, with ingredients to suit all tastes, from lamb to smoked salmon, chickpeas to pineapple, including fresh vegetables – I'd challenge anyone who would turn their nose up and say 'it's not for me'!

Since you can visit the food bar as many times as you like there's no rush, so no need to cram your bowl to get your 'money's worth', enabling you to try new flavours and different combinations of foods.

A favourite of mine was the fresh fish – particularly the smoked haddock and king prawns, which I mixed with beansprouts, chickpeas, water chestnuts and mushrooms – with plenty of fresh garlic (I did warn the family they best have at least a little garlic so I didn't knock anyone out) and chilli sauce.

My mum and sister both favoured the lamb, while Stuart and my dad enjoyed heating up the chicken with the various spices and condiments, trying out some of the suggested recipes listed on the wall and also creating their own.

Tip number one: Just don't get too carried away at playing 'Master Chef' – you'll only have yourself to blame if the spices knock your socks off.

We all found that it was best to opt for small portions, paying two or three leisurely visits to the food bar. There was absolutely no pressure or rush or eat up and move on, and I quite liked getting up and stretching my legs in between my courses, as often sitting down all night can make one feel a little sluggish.

For those with particular dietary requirements or for vegetarians, the kitchen will happily cook your meal separately.

I must recommend ordering a portion or two (or three) of the homemade crispy chips to accompany your meal – they're mouth-wateringly seasoned with the skins left on – mmm . . .

Tip number two: Make sure you have room for afters as you're spoiled for choice. With a variety of puddings to tempt, from homemade cheesecakes and crumble, to gourmet ice creams, there's something to unleash the devil in most of us and make us "forget the diet" for a night without thinking twice.

Mum and sis chose the raspberry pavlova, dad went back to his childhood and had the sticky toffee pudding, and I enjoyed the mandarin and Cointreau cheesecake (with only one tummy too full for dessert – tut-tut).

Wow. It's been a while since I've enjoyed a dessert as much as I did that evening – my cheesecake was too nice for words, just take it from me – you must indulge.

What a great night! We had a lovely get-together in cosy surroundings, and for those of us who were new to the Jenko's dining experience enjoyed a nice surprise. Overall, it was a fun evening out, where we all enjoyed fresh healthy food, with the added novelty of having it cooked in front of you. An evening meal out with a little bit of a twist.

Tip number three: Go, eat and enjoy . . . I promise you'll like it.

Menu Sample

Mongolian Barbecue – £15.50 adult – half price for children

Desserts

Rhubard crumble with caramelised ginger and a serving of double cream or custard (£4.95)

After Eight Fusion – mint-chocolate-chip ice cream drizzled with menthol liqueur and Belgium chocolate sauce (£5.50)

Atmosphere: Very welcoming

Service: Extremely friendly and attentive

Disabled facilities: Yes