IF you fancy a night out in a trendy, lively bar and restaurant (and still want money in your pocket at the end) then look no further than Marlow’s Baroosh.

It’s a Tuesday night and I expect to be able to park right outside the front of Baroosh, and have my pick of the tables. Instead I have to leave my car two roads away and on my arrival I see a full, lively venue, full of the hustle and bustle you’d expect to see in a London eatery on what is usually a quiet evening for the pub trade. But at Baroosh, there are only a couple of tables left to be had.

Visit Marlow and you’ll be greeted with a choice of fabulous venues to be wined and dined at. But Baroosh, an over 21s bar and restaurant which was until recently a bank, has really cashed in with its upmarket décor, attention to detail and great value. It has certainly brought something to the table.

With its wall to wall plush sofas, and comfy seats it makes it a pleasure to sit there and chat with friends - which is what I did.

I invited my friend along for a catch up, and to see what the menu had to offer. First off, I was starving hungry, which is always my downfall - my eyes are bigger than my belly. And I had already picked out my dessert before even looking at the starters.

But the great thing about the menu is that you can choose full-on blow-out meals, or little nibbles if you get peckish on a night out just having drinks with friends. I started with the popcorn mussels, which were fresh herb and beer battered mussels with tartare sauce, and my dining friend choose halloumi fingers, griddled and dressed with lime and caper vinaigrette (both £4).

The mussels were so yummy I burnt my mouth eating them too quickly. They were fresh, and very addictive. I have craved them since.

My friend enjoyed the halloumi immensely, and I helped her finish off her starter. The flavours married perfectly, and the capers were the perfect companion that I probably wouldn’t have thought worked before trying out this combination.

Onto the mains, and I went for the rib eye steak, but swapped the fries for a side salad.

My dining pal chose the smoked haddock with colcannon, a poached egg and mustard sauce, priced at £7.50.

When the steak arrived in front of me, I took a giant, hungry bite and actually exclaimed ‘Oh wow’ out loud. There were no gristly or chewy bits to contend with, just a fine hunk of meat, which had been cooked rare for my enjoyment. It was a big portion, and there were lots of salad surrounding it. I thought it was extremely good value at £12.95.

My friend tucked into the fish dish and loved every mouthful. She said it was juicy and tender, and the egg was a tasty edition to it. She enjoyed it so much she cleared the plate. As per usual, I’d eaten so much that I didn’t dare order a dessert , which is always a good sign.

But it wasn’t just the impeccable food for me. The venue itself is just perfect for meeting friends for drinks, or having a family dinner. It offers all things for all occasions at a reasonable price. And that’s why Baroosh is one of the busiest venues in the town.

Baroosh, in Marlow High Street, is also open for breakfast. Contact 01628 472878 or see www.baroosh.co.uk