MUSIC may well be the food of love . . . but it won't stop your stomach rumbling during the second act of a theatre play.

So it's quite a good idea to grab a bite to eat before the performance. If you're headed for a show at Bath's Theatre Royal, it's an even better idea to do so at Vaults Restaurant.

For the restaurant is not only incredibly convenient for curtain-up it's located in the bowels of the theatre but the food is also very good.

Open Monday to Saturday evenings and pre-show matinees, Vaults offers a two-course menu at £14.90 and three-courses at £16.90.

The menu changes on a monthly basis and offers a choice of four starters, five mains and three puddings along with a couple of side orders, available at £1.75 extra.

When we dined last month, the tasty smoked ham, gruyere and chive tart and the plump marinated anchovies with rocket, mint and lemon made great openers. Monkfish brochette with saffron couscous, chilli and lime oil, and pan-fried calves liver with red wine and bacon jus served with mashed potatoes provided a memorable second act. Special mention too, for a great side order of fine green beans with garlic butter and sauteed Savoy cabbage with nutmeg.

This month the starters are broccoli and almond soup, breaded squid with chilli jam and creme fraiche; roast vegetable and polenta terrine with shallot salsa; and salad of chorizo with spring onions, broad beans and basil oil.

Main courses include a medley of fish, duck, a vegetable risotto, pork loin and sirloin steak; with puddings of sticky chocolate cake, carmelised exotic fruits and caramel pot with shortbread.

If you're planning to visit the theatre during its Shakespeare festival a trip to the cosy cellar restaurant is likely to garner a rave review before the show even begins.

JAINE SILBERBERG