WORCESTER'S eagerly anticipated restaurant by a Michelin star chef has finally opened its doors.

The opening of the Glasshouse, which is a joint venture between Shaun Hill, one of the country's best known chef's, and city businessman Brandon Weston, was delayed through complications with planning issues and problems with the foundations of the former Bygones antique shop in Sidbury.

But at the launch party on Friday night, the business partners were just relieved to have finally opened.

Mr Weston said: "I can't believe we've done it. We're very pleased. The end result has definitely exceeded all of our expectations."

Mr Hill said: "I thought it would never happen. I hope this is an attraction for people who live here and an attraction for people who don't.

However, Mr Hill was keen to express that the restaurant will not be exclusive. "If you can achieve the attraction, as well as being a successful restaurant, you will be less resented' by the public."

He said: "The menu will be sort of mixed. I don't want it to be posh' food."

The great and the good that Worcester has to offer were all invited to have a look around the restaurant on its launch.

Among them was the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Ian Imray and the Mayoress Joan Imray. He said: "It's a bit like a Tardis. It's a lot larger inside than it looks outside. They have done it out really well."

Francis Lankester, city councillor for the Cathedral ward, said: "I'm impressed. It's just what this end of the city needs."

The Glasshouse is a 100-seat brasserie set over two floors, with a courtyard for use in the summer.

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REVIEW - by Eve Perry

I FEEL quite smug when I say I was the first person to eat food from the kitchen of the new Glasshouse.

Smug because this modern brasserie is going to be one of the city's most popular places to eat. I was well aware my expectations were higher than usual but I am pleased to say the Glasshouse did not disappoint.

Upon arrival we sat in the bar area, enjoyed a complimentary drink, along with warm spicy parmesan biscuits, and soaked in the surroundings. It goes without saying the Glasshouse is modern - you can see that from the outside - but it was also relaxed, informal and comfortable.

The chocolate brown and duck egg blue colour scheme was coupled with contemporary furniture. There was a low hum of people talking and waiters rushing around.

After perusing the menu we were shown to our table by a smiling, enthusiastic waiter. As it was the restaurant's dry run, all food was priced at 50 per cent off.

To start my fellow diner opted for warm artichoke heart with wild mushroom, garlic and parsley stuffing and Hollandaise sauce (£6) while I went for cockles and mussels served on toast with shallot and dry cider sabay (£5). The strong flavours of the cockles and mussels went well with the strong sauce and the presentation was perfect.

For mains my partner had steak tartare with chips and salad (£18). Not a favourite of mine, but he said it was delicious. I had steak and kidney pudding (£13) with a side dish of roast autumn vegetables (£2.50). The generous-sized chunks of tender steak and kidney wrapped in suet pastry was mouthwatering. I would definitely have it again.

For pudding we shared an extremely moreish brandy snap basket with exotic fruit salad and a caramel and apple tart with cinnamon ice cream (both £6). I can honestly say the tart was the best desert I've tasted in long time.

At full price the entire meal, plus a glass of wine and one lager, would have cost just £62.65.

I can't wait to go again.