I'M a bit of a traditionalist, so I have to confess I was a little disappointed to discover that someone had chosen to rename the Green Man pub, in the Tything, Worcester, the Marwood, but once inside any reservations quickly disappeared.

An old building, which has been sympathetically refurbished, the Marwood is inviting and relaxing.

Arriving on a Thursday evening, we were shown through the busy bar to our table in the restaurant area at the back.

Following a sympathetic refurbishment, the restaurant is decorated simply but tastefully in rich aubergine and cream tones. Cushions litter the benches and good quality white linen napkins lie on the dark polished wooden tables.

From the moment I booked the table, the service we received was among the best I've ever experienced in Worcester. All the staff were friendly, helpful and clearly took a great pride in their food and service.

Settled in our seats we turned to the menu. There were roughly seven choices of starter and main course and I was told, with some pride, that everything was homemade.

For my starter I chose chargrilled lightly curried king prawns, with cucumber and yoghurt dressing (£6.45). When it arrived, on an enormous square plate, the skewered prawns were succulent and tasty and true to the menu, were only lightly curried and therefore didn't overpower the taste of the seafood. They were accompanied with a generous portion of tzatziki-style dressing and fresh side salad.

My husband chose from the shared platters range - skewers of king prawns and marinated cray fish tails, (£2.95 each) with the same yoghurt and cucumber dressing, but no side salad and looked a little lost on the enormous plate. Again his starter was succulent, fresh, tasty and a delight.

For main course I chose the 12-hour braised shoulder of Welsh lamb with creamed potatoes and honey-glazed carrots, (£12.95). It was delicious - the lamb fell apart with the slightest touch of the fork. The potatoes were so creamy and light, I asked the waitress for the secret - she told me, but I'm not divulging - and it was all accompanied by a rich gravy. I would have liked some greens with my meal, but that's personal taste.

My husband opted for the confit leg of duck with homemade chips and a rich port sauce, (£12.45). By the look of his clean plate, it was a hit. He said the duck was tasty, the sauce rich, not too overpowering - as can so often be the case - and the chips chunky and well-cooked. It came on a bed of shredded cabbage.

For dessert I chose the homemade waffles with English plum and apple compote and homemade pistachio ice-cream, (£4.95). Again I was informed, with a certain pride, they were made on the premises - even the ice-cream and waffle batter.

Unfortunately the compote was missing, but the waffles and ice-cream were delicious.

My husband chose the selection of British and European cheeses with crackers, sliced pear and chutney, (£6.75). There were too many for him to finish, but they were an interesting selection and very fresh and tasty.

There was a reasonable selection of wines on offer - my husband opted for a large glass of Merlot (£4.95) and we finished off with coffees. A small issue with a mystery item being incorrectly added to our bill was quickly cleared up and we left content and looking forward to a future visit to the Marwood, which I would highly recommend to anyone looking for honest, homecooked food in a friendly and welcoming environment.

THE MARWOOD, 40 THE TYTHING, WORCESTER Tel: 01905 330460SERVICE: ***** FOOD: **** VALUE: **** AMBIENCE: ****