STRUGGLING to reserve a table is always a good sign for a restaurant – and I can certainly see why Rococo, in Leigh, is so popular.

My friend Jenny and I were finally able to visit the hidden gem, in Elm Road, on a Wednesday evening.

The black and gold colour theme is stylish and the hanging chandeliers are decadent, but the interior is in no way stuffy and we instantly felt at ease.

Despite the set menu being small, we were still spoilt for choice.

For starters, we finally decided to share breaded brie with a sweet onion chutney, finished off with crispy serrano ham and pan fried tiger prawns, wrapped in pancetta and topped with sweet chilli sauce.

The flavours of the brie, chutney and ham complimented each other perfectly, but we were disappointed the dish arrived at our table only luke warm.

It meant the cheese didn’t quite melt in the middle when we cut into it.

The prawns were really juicy, although slightly overpowered by the pancetta.

For main, I opted for lamb served with spring onion mash, pea puree and a red wine sauce.

Jenny went for pan fried seabass, served with fondant potato, samphire, crunchy basil leaves and a mussel and vegetable broth.

My meat, which was still slightly pink and cooked perfectly – the sauce was delicious and not too rich.

Jenny’s fish was slightly overcooked, but the combination of flavours on the plate made up for it.

The attention to detail with all the food, the mains in particular, was amazing. It almost looked too beautiful to eat.

For dessert, I had a treacle tart served with a generous dollop of clotted cream, which melted in my mouth.

Jenny found room for a chocolate and orange cheesecake, topped with grated white chocolate and drizzled with an orange caramel.

She described it as amazing and found it surprisingly fresh tasting, given sweetness of the dish.

The portions were just the right size, too, and we left Rococo feeling nicely full and keen to make a return visit.

THE BILL

Two weekday three-course set menus £16.95 (£19.95 on weekends)
Pan fried tiger prawns wrapped in pancetta, topped with sweet chilli and sesame seeds – £3 supplement
Minted 8oz lamb rump cooked pink, served with spring onion mashed potato, pea puree and a red wine sauce
– £4 supplement

THE VERDICT (Out of 5)

Atmosphere 4
Food 5
Decor 5
Value 4
Service 4

Disabled access? Yes