Working for a paper can sometimes be a stressful experience, but it does provide you with the opportunity to get out and try new things.

On Friday, September 14, I visited a new restaurant in Chipping Sodbury.

The Stables at Vayre House has been open for only a couple of months, and whilst you can see there is still a little sense of nervousness, you are welcomed warmly with a smile by members of staff.

Situated on Hatters Lane, just a little more than 300 metres from Chipping Sodbury High Street, you arrive at a traditional 17th century building.

You then take a small detour around to the back of the house where a car park is waiting.

The restaurant itself is set in the outhouse of owner Karen Stallabrass home, an outhouse that was in fact used as a stable for hundreds of years.

Long glass windows and wooden doors help to create a really nice atmosphere, which I can imagine on a summers evening is lovely, whilst the lighting provides a calming orange glow around the premises.

The food itself is a little expensive, but you pay for quality.

I was informed at the restaurant that there is an emphasis on ensuring that the ingredients are all locally sourced, which is backed up by the predominately British menu.

For starter, the 'home baked soda bread' was beautiful. The board was served with balsamic, butter and olives.

For main I had the 'Green Goan curried chicken' which was served with Bombay potatoes and crispy black cabbage.

I said earlier that you pay for quality and this was definitely that, the flavour of the chicken was perfectly accompanied by the curried sauce. The crispy cabbage was in my opinion an odd choice to go with the meat, however it worked very well.

My girlfriend, who was my date for the evening, enjoyed the 'Fowey battered line caught Cornish cod' which was served with hand cut fries shallot vinegar pearls and tartare sauce.

Both dishes were beautiful, and worth the price of £15/16 each.

There is a selection of other options on the menu, including: Steaks, salads, pork belly and curry.

A dessert menu including brownie, tart and panacotta could not tempt us this time but looked lovely also.

The restaurant is still in its early phases, but the staff are very friendly and work hard to make you feel welcome and comfortable.

For anyone thinking of going to The Stables that may have dietary requirements, no need to worry.

There is a pre-order vegan, vegetarian and special dietary requirements menu available.

It is a lovely evening out, I would say that it is a welcome addition to the number of restaurants that are now in the Chipping Sodbury vicinity.

It offers something different from the rest, just slightly away from the busy nature of the High Street.

Quality of food: 5

Quality of drink: 4

Value for money: 4

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 4