HURRAY! A new eaterie opening up in Port Talbot.

And first impressions are good ones. It's well-designed internally with some decent, mood-creating lighting and, even if it is a little quiet as we go in, livens up with the arrival of a few more punters in our wake.

This place has actually been on the go for a couple of months now. But what with Christmas and one thing or another, it's only now I have been able to sample its wares. And they're not half bad ones either!

Yes, there are some unusual starters to get things under way such as Frogs Legs, but also plenty to tempt more cautious diners including French onion soup. All my efforts went into persuading my other half to try the legs failed. He opted instead for the salmon and prawn tian which came with toast, salad and mayonnaise. Pretty good it was too, savoury and chunky and packed with generous shards of fish.

Me? A breaded baked brie which came with cranberry sauce and salad. Again, a decent marriage between content and breadcrumed outer crust.

Although mains of steak, Welsh lamb shank, salmon en croute and mussels were all tempting enough, I opt for the Shelly's Chicken Supreme and my partner, a rib eye. Both were easily the stars of the meal. The Dijon mustard sauce which accompanied my bacon wrapped chicken had exactly the right 'zing' to it: the sauté potato accompaniment well seasoned and nicely crisped.

Best of all though, the chorizo stuffing inside the meat: utterly delicious.

My partners' steak was accurately cooked and hit the mark.

To finish, profiteroles to share.

Service was prompt without being rushed. In short, a place full of potential.

Best of all perhaps, is the fact that a once vacant shop has had some new life breathed into it with a diner that offers a sensible approach to food. What's more, new life we can all enjoy.

And for that, we locals should be very grateful indeed!

Gill Roberts