Burnett Arms Hotel: 25 High Street, Banchory

I’D HEARD positive things about the fare on offer in the bar at the Burnett Arms Hotel and the welcoming atmosphere was what we were looking for as we got set to view a gig at the nearby Woodend Barn.

To start we shared the bruschetta (£3.50). Like mini pizzas, the bread bases, topped with a thick layer of tomato paste and a thin layer of melted cheese, were bursting with flavour.

I kept with the Italian theme and opted for the lasagne with garlic bread (£8.15). The portion had a little excess grease on top.

However, first impressions were deceiving as the creamy taste of the bechamel alongside the gentle spice of the tomatoey meat filling and the crispy firm pasta layers made for a winning combination.

My friend Marianne opted for the Thai tuna fishcakes (£8.50). The delicate fish flavour and subtle hint of coriander and lime made these delicious. She also loved the massive, varied, side salad and a large portion of chips which accompanied her choice. Full, but not quite stuffed, the sticky toffee pudding (£3.85) was too good to refuse. Soaked in a light toffee sauce and served with vanilla ice cream, the divine dish managed to steer clear of the sickly sweet.