I took my wife for a special birthday dinner as a party of eight to the Windsor Grill last night. This is apparently the fourth of Anthony Worrell Thompson's modern British grill restaurants. The whole evening was fabulous from start to finish. We arrived a little early and enjoyed drinks in the bar area, where there was comfortable seating for us all, as well as an amusing barman. There was a nice buzz and atmosphere in the restaurant itself.

We were led upstairs to a private dining room on the first floor, where a nicely decorated room awaited with an enormous circular table. Champagne was served promptly and just the right amount of time given to peruse the menu and specials. The fresh green olives and breads were of the highest standard.

We were very impressed with every starter - with the enormous portion of mussels and the warm salad of black pudding, chicken livers and poached egg being stand-out items! There was a lovely selection of wines and we selected two from New Zealand: Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough x2, and a very nice Pinot Noir. Mains included four large steaks, two beautifully aromatic chicken dishes and a couple of Sea Bass specials. Steaks included rib-eyes, rump and Fillet au Poivre. Two of us had the thick cut chips which were amongst the very best we'de ever had. All the steaks were cooked to perfection as ordered and the 9oz fillet au poivre was meltingly tender and full of flavour for a fillet - the creamy peppercorn sauce giving just the right amount of spice and velvet texture; the extra salads, creamed spinach, medley of vegetables and flat-cap mushrooms were all to a high standard.

The service and friendliness of the staff was faultless, especially considering that our party was out of sight, upstairs. We moved on to a delectable range of deserts. Pannacotta, a Chocolate Trio of mouse, ice cream and brownie, creme brulee, apple and blackberry crumble.

At the end of the evening the bill was 100% correct and I was delighted to pay the suggested service charge as the staff had really helped to make the evening. All in all a very superior experience, in a smart casual restaurant that obviously sources the best ingredients. A round of complementary liqueurs was just the icing on the cake, and even the chef appeared to ensure that we'd all enjoyed the meal. Under £500 for eight people sharing four bottles of good wine including champagne - and not a scrap left on a single plate of the three courses. Says it all.

***** Will definitely go there again!!