SITUATED on the edge of Porthleven's picturesque harbour, Amélies was recently featured on the BBC 2 programme Chefs on Trial where presenter Alex Polizzi helps restaurants find a head chef.

The winner of that competition was head chef Paul James and I was keen to see what his installation had done for the restaurant.

On arrival we were greeted by live jazz in the form of a pianist and double bass player which created a lovely ambience.

We were shown to our tables by our friendly and attentive waiter and while we waited my wife and daughter had a glass of the Pinot Grigo rose which they declared to be 'dreamy'.

Starters include crab and onion fish cake with sweet chilli sauce, Cornish scallops with chorizo and parmesan and salt and pepper squid rings. We opted for the mini plank consisting of daily breads, marinated olives an exceptional balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

The main reason I was here was to try the Sunday roast but there are a wide range of fish dishes on offer and Amélies take pride in using locally caught fish straight from the harbour.

While my wife and I plumped for the roast loin of pork, roast potatoes and sage stuffing, seasonal vegetables and Yorkshire pudding, my daughter had the Mussel, crab and crayfish linguine with chilli, ginger and garlic cream.

This looked stunning and was declared to be absolutely delicious by my daughter.

My teenage son plumped for the wood-fired slow roasted BBQ pork burger with apple mayo, fries, slaw and a toasted brioche. When it arrived it was a magnificent beast which my son devoured with relish (the enthusiastic kind not the side dish).

The roast was an extremely generous size and we were glad we had taken the dog, who had also been welcomed warmly, for a long walk around Loe Pool beforehand.

The pork was done to perfection and, most important to me, piping hot. While the vegetables were fresh and vibrant.

I was too full for pudding, but when my wife's Amélies Sundae, Chantilly cream and profiteroles arrived I couldn't resist and dived in as my wife said she was willing to share. It was delicious. A real grown up pudding which I ended up devouring half of, well maybe a bit more.

All in all a perfect way to spend a two hours on a Sunday after taking in the delights of Porthleven, one of my favourite ports for pottering around.

Alix and owner Sam Sheffield Dunstan have done a good job in the choice of head chef Paul and they can only go on to greater things from here.