AFTER an unfortunate incident with a plastic container and the insides of my oven, there was only one thing for it. An intensive Sunday cleaning session? No way. An opportunity to dine out.

Situated in a prime location on Weymouth’s harbourside, Vaughan’s has become a stalwart of Weymouth’s culinary scene over the last few years but as I had yet to sample its delights, a friend and I decided it was a guilt-free reason to test out its great value Sunday set menu.

With a simple and classic bistro-style interior, my first impressions of the restaurant were promising. We were met at the door by a hesitant but friendly young waiter, who led us to a table next to the window – perfect for the sunny day – but unfortunately squeezed a little tightly in between two large parties. This no doubt contributed to the jovial atmosphere but left us with little privacy.

The wine list came up with the goods for my fellow diner – a crisp glass of pinot grigio – but as a lover of new world and full-bodied red wine I was a little disappointed by the three choices I was presented with, two of which were soft and French.

I opted for the third, an Australian Shiraz, which admittedly hit the button and was reasonably priced.

To start I went for grilled asparagus with poached hen’s egg and sherry vinegar. The waiter was more than happy to pander to my awkwardness and ensure my food was free of dairy products. With a drizzle of olive oil and black pepper, it had the potential to be a light and delicate starter but the somewhat over-grilled asparagus lent it an unfortunate twang.

My friend’s fricassee of mushrooms, leeks and stilton came with a delectable creamy sauce and the mushrooms were soft and melt-in-the-mouth.

For our main meals we went for the traditional option of a roast dinner – it would be rude not to. I chose roast chicken with chestnut and sage stuffing, and my friend went for shoulder of pork with roast parsnips.

The menu was good, with two fish options and a vegetarian choice of pine nut provencale and goats cheese crumble.

Both the pork and the chicken were succulent and plentiful and came with a tasty gravy, roast potatoes, new potatoes, carrots and broccoli, which at my request were cooked without butter and perfectly al dente. The food was well presented and served with a smile.

The large serving got the better of me, but my friend’s plate was satisfying empty by the time they came to clear the plates.

The great selection of desserts lured in my fellow diner, who opted for a dark chocolate torte with caramel.

The dessert was beautifully presented and had a very soft and creamy texture but unfortunately the caramel sauce was a touch bitter, although this didn’t stop it disappearing in a matter of minutes.

At £12.95 for two courses and £16.95 for three, the Sunday set menu offers great value for money for seasoned Sunday lunch carnivores who require something a little above the usual with their roasties.

The Bill

Two-course meal: £12.95

Three-course meal: £16.95

Two glasses wine: £7.50

TOTAL: £37.40