The Hoop, in Stock, is an absolutely delightful place steeped in history, where the chef serves up an equally delightful meal.

As soon as you step through the door of this 550-year-old building you get a welcome sense of relaxation, thanks to the professionalism, exurberance and cheerfulness of the staff.

You have a choice to eat in the bar area or upstairs. We opted to go up to the 14th century period restaurant.

As far as pub restaurants go I haven’t experienced many better than this.

My homemade farmhouse pate came with an apple and mint chutney, which had sweetness and zip to deliciously counteract the pate’s meaty, coarseness.

My wife said her scallops, drizzled in a carrot puree and accompanied by a coriander salad, were gorgeous.

My main course of roast rack of lamb was top notch. The beautifully cooked meat was perfectly tender and circled with a tasty, juicy layer of fat. The accompanying dauphinoise potatoes and minted crushed peas made for a divine dinner.

My wife’s slow-roasted and rolled belly of pork, came with mustard mash, a black pudding fritter and an imaginative bramley apple and vanilla sauce. I sampled some and it was every bit as good as the lamb.

On a final note, the hot chocolate fondant was superb. My spoon broke through the delicate sponge to open the floodgate for a stream of awesomely rich dark chocolate, some finish.

I also sampled one of my wife’s mixed chocolate homemade truffles and they were lovely too.

The Hoop is going to take some beating where posh pub grub is concerned. It left us feeling – cock-a-hoop!

What we ate Pate £5.95 Scallops £9.50 Pork £14.95 Lamb £17.95 Truffles £2 Fondant £5.95 Our verdict (out of five) Atmosphere 4 Food 4 Decor 5 Value 4 Service 5