THE Stable, housed in an anonymous green building at the rear of the Bull Hotel, is the latest restaurant helping Bridport’s growing reputation as a place of praiseworthy grub.

In a breath of very Bridportian inspiration, the restaurant has popped the notion of ‘a pie and a pint’ neatly on its head and replaced it with handmade pizzas and a comprehensive cider, scrumpy and perry collection.

The decor is basic and rustic with long, heavy, wooden tables and matching benches.

Pizzas, made with local produce and given local names, are the main thrust of The Stable and there is also a small selection of pies, salads and side dishes.

We went Italian and our meals arrived at the table on wooden platters.

Our daughter chose a margarita, dripping with mozzarella and pungent with fresh basil leaves. My husband’s Denhay Delight was covered with smoked Denhay Farm bacon, local field mushrooms, tomato, and mozzarella and topped with a free range egg.

I went for a West Country boar pizza made up of slices of wild boar salami, chorizo and mozzarella, topped with a marinated rocket leaves.

Silence fell, punctuated by the occasional, muffled ‘god, this is good’ as the pizzas disappeared, washed down with some cracking ciders and juice.

It was a really good meal. Artfully informal and fashionable, The Stable will do well. We will be back.

* The Stable, c/o The Bull Hotel, 34 East Street, Bridport, 01308 422878. The Stable is accessed from Chancery Lane Via The Bull Hotel’s car park. Open Tuesday to Friday 5pm-11pm, last orders 9.30pm, and all day Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.

* The new Mat Follas recipe will be in next week’s Taste.

The Bill

Pint of pear cider: £3.75

Pint of cider: £3.25

Apple juice: £2

Margherita pizza: £7

West County boar pizza: £9

Denhay Delight pizza: £8.50

TOTAL: £33.50