The Glamorgan

If I could give a venue 6 stars, this would be it!

The Glamorgan (formerly the Grouse and Claret) has been transformed into a haven of great food, fine wines (and beers) and great entertainment - without an alcopop, a blaring disco beat or a beery football hooligan in sight!

Pitched as a "gastropub", it's more like a restaurant with a bar - certainly, there aren't the hoardes of people piling into the bar for cheap beer that you find in the rest of the town. The dining room is light and airy, without being formulaic in its decor (some great modern art on show), the bar has some great sofas to relax in with the Sunday papers, and the revamped beer garden is the best outside space in the area - perfect for a Saturday afternoon barbecue.

The kitchen produces some really imaginative dishes - way above the usual "curry and a pint for a fiver" or microwaved fare that other establishments palm off. The emphasis is on great ingredients, cooked well - sensational meat, and some wonderful fish, served simply but beautifully. Try the South African Bunny Chow - a spicy curry served in a hollowed out loaf of bread and served with bananas and other sliced fruit - or one of the daily specials, which have recently included some wonderful risotto or a sensational lamb shank cooked with Moroccan spices. The newly arrived Dutch chef is also a demon crepe maker - check them out, but leave room for more than one as they are sinfully delicious!

Leave room for puddings - there's an ever changing selection, including delicious ice creams, a cheesecake of the week (liquorice and Black Zambuca was a recent fave!) and some great cheese.

The wine list isn't extensive, but has some very well priced Southern Hemisphere wines and the beers are well kept and served correctly. Brothers pear cider (as served at Glastonbury) has made a recent and welcome appearance on the bar, and goes down a storm.

Booking is essential in the evenings and Thursday/Friday lunchtimes, as it can be busy, but it's worth making the effort for food that's well above the average that you'd find in London, let alone in Croydon!! A real gem.