Minh's Cantonese Restaurant, based on the upper floor of the West One wine bar and restaurant in Hagley, aims to bring something a little different to the genre - and that difference is apparent as soon as you step inside.

With West One already established as a stylish and popular location when it was acquired by current owner James Lai, the decision to set up Minh's could easily have been a step in the wrong direction, trying to be all things to all people. However, James' idea has clearly paid off, with the two diverse venues happily uniting into a seamless whole.

The friendly ambience is very much in evidence - this is a place where customers are looked after as guests.

James explains that he wanted Minh's to offer genuine Cantonese cuisine from an a la carte menu, for "a proper sit-down dinner", as he describes it.

"We don't want to rush you through your meal. The food and flavours should be enjoyed slowly," he points out.

The a la carte menu includes specialities such as Peking crispy lamb and baked fresh lobster with ginger and spring onion or black bean sauce. Casseroles and sizzling plate dishes line up alongside chicken, beef, duck and vegetarian options, and James is particularly proud of Minh's range of seafood dishes.

Minh's is open for lunch and dinner every day, with various dining options available. Evening visitors can choose a la carte or set meals, while during the day a three-course Special Lunch is served from Thursday to Saturday. The Buffet Lunch on Sundays offers the opportunity to try a wider variety of dishes.

Having experienced the buffet option during the latest Limited Edition Ladies' Lunch, it seems more than likely that the quality of cuisine demonstrated here will be matched by the rest of the menu. Minh's had chosen eight dishes for everyone to try, ensuring that both spicy and milder flavours were used.

The deep fried crispy lemon chicken was a particular hit, the light, moist batter oozing with tangy citrus flavour, while a different taste entirely was supplied by the Kung Po chicken with softened cashew nuts and fiery chillies.

We were also treated to sizzling fillet steak in black pepper sauce, which featured tender strips of meat and sweet, crunchy chunks of pepper, and spicy Szechuan tofu, which went some way to converting at least one former tofu-hater! I didn't sample the sweet and sour King prawns, but am assured by fellow diners that they were magnificent.

Stir-fry seasonal vegetables, Yeung Chow fried rice and noodles accompanied the main dishes, which were followed by a selection of tempting desserts including a much-loved chocolate chip cheesecake. I should also mention the wine list, which confirms Minh's status as a cut above the average.

Food served buffet-style, which suits the indecisive among us and is also perfect for those unfamiliar with Cantonese cuisine, provided an ideal introduction to what's on offer at Minh's and proved that the chef, who hails from Hong Kong, is on top of his game. The courteous, efficient staff, taking their lead from James, handled our 40-strong party with ease.

Indeed, Minh's can be booked for a party or special occasion, and the team are happy to create a dinner menu tailored to your own requirements. The added bonus of West One downstairs means that large functions can make use of both floors, and a buffet or banquet can be arranged fusing elements of the Cantonese and English cuisines.

"The mixture of Cantonese restaurant and contemporary bar is unique," says James. "Plus, there is musical entertainment in West One every Thursday night."

Opening times

Special Lunch: 12pm-2.30pm, Thursday to Saturday

Buffet Lunch: 12pm-3.30pm, Sunday

Evenings: 5pm-11pm, daily

West One is open daily from 9.30am-11pm, with food served all day.

Minh's and West One, 159 Worcester Road, Hagley

01562 885328