Many of the restaurants around the Bath theatre area do pre-theatre meals, all of a muchness in price, and our decision was made on seeing the number of customers going into Raphael – in retrospect, it was a good choice.

It was early at just after 5.30pm and already tables were taken and more reserved. Lucky for us that we arrived then as soon more diners arrived.

After mulling over the menu of four starters and five main courses, I chose the leek, pea and ham tart with shredded celeriac – very tasty and nicely complemented by the celeriac remoulade – while Tom had butternut squash and gorgonzola Arrancini (little round toasted risotto balls), with rocket and a red pepper sauce. I was allowed a taste and almost wished I’d ordered it.

The place had filled, but the waitresses were prompt (as I suppose they should be for pre-theatre meals) and our main courses soon arrived. Chicken breast with Toulouse stuffing with a mushroom and tarragon sauce and parsnip mash, all looking good and, I was told, tasting good too. I had chosen the honey-roasted pork belly with roasted root veg with a caramelised onion and red wine sauce. Not huge portions, but certainly enough, it was well cooked with the pork almost falling apart and flavours, particularly the sauce, delicious.

Puddings were an extra and though I didn’t want anything else Tom needed something to round off his meal. He chose a rhubarb and ginger cheesecake with a rhubarb sauce – of which I was allowed another little taste. The ginger was subtle, nothing too powerful, and seemed to me just right, with the only crib being that it had come straight from the fridge rather than being at room temperature.

The restaurant had a relaxed atmosphere, dark polished wood floors, brasserie-style tables and friendly staff. It is one I would be happy to visit again.

The pre-theatre meal seems a particularly good deal as the normal evening menu starts from around £14 for a main course.

* Two-course pre-theatre menu, 5.30-7.30pm, £14.95; set two-course lunch at £11.95.

* Access may be tricky for wheelchair users, with some steps and small doors to navigate.

* Vegetarian meals on the menu.