last refurbishment, in April 2008, was on the bar area, intending to make it more intimate and cosy and 'less like a wine bar'. We opted for the restaurant, which is located towards the rear of the building, and has the feel of a small, cosy barn - with the low-focus lighting, unusual high-backed chairs and row of mother-in-law's tongue plants bringing a modern rustic feel.

The large range of food on the restaurant menu reflects the changing seasons. On our end-of-summer visit we had the choice of Yorkshire smoked chicken, walnut, celery and apple salad and summer vegetables, broccoli and cauliflower pancake with Cheddar sauce. There's also a more daring list of chef's recommendations, which included royal bream with sugar snaps and lime butter. A range of traditional roasts are available on Sundays. Vegetarians have a more limited choice, however, but the vegetarian in our party was not left unsatisfied.

For a more relaxed dining experience, food is also available in the bar area, suiting those with a tighter grip on their wallet. This includes a range of modern English tapas: cheese and biscuits and sausages and dips with cauliflower bites.

The service here was friendly and consummately professional, and all issues were dealt with extremely promptly. The kitchen had run out of pork on our visit, but we were informed of this within less than thirty seconds, and, after the waiting staff's recommendation, opted for the slow roasted lamb shoulder. We also ordered a baked pepper, served with courgette, butter beans and pesto. The key here was attention to detail - from the immaculately clean restaurant and bar to the careful way the food was arranged on the plate. The food, too, was reliably good, particularly the desserts. We did have some problems with making a booking by telephone, however, something to bear in mind if you are intending to come as a large party, though bookings aren't strictly necessary.

Drinkers, too, are by no means an afterthought. The bar area has a reasonable selection of real ales, including Timothy Taylor's Landlord, Adnam's Broadside and Greene King IPA.
The nice layout, green plants and welcoming atmosphere at the Green Man makes it feel both cosy and contemporary. It's great example of how an old building can be modernized without losing its sense of character.