If you’ve travelled along the A5 from Oswestry in the direction of Wrexham then you’re sure to have spotted the Lion Quays, an independently owned complex that comes complete with hotel, conference and banqueting facilities, a bar, restaurant and newly opened Country Club and Spa - all sited on the banks of the picturesque Llangollen canal. It’s a venue that’s often caught my eye on journeys into North Wales and I’ve heard great reports about its dining facilities. So, with an empty stomach I duly made my way north of Shrewsbury to see if it really is as good as everyone says. The Waterside Bar and Restaurant appears to form the hub of the Lion Quays complex. Open daily throughout the year, it offers informal areas - including an outside terrace - in which to enjoy lunch, dinner or just a sociable drink. Food is available in all areas of the Waterside, courtesy of a very extensive yet reasonably priced menu comprising fourteen starters, twenty-one mains, a selection of sides and a specials board. Gordon Ramsey would probably criticise this volume as being a bit too adventurous, spouting that quantity jeopardises quality. This certainly doesn’t appear to be the case at the Waterside Restaurant, however. The only problem is deciding what to choose - both the Pork and Apple Pate with Cider Chutney and toasted brioche, and the Caesar Salad, tossed Anchovies, crisp croutons and fresh parmesan dressed with caesar dressing sounded very tempting. After much deliberating, I opted for the Pan-fried Tiger Prawns in garlic butter with lemon salad on a herb garlic bread, whilst my dining companion opted for the Papadelle Pasta tossed with Clams, Mussels, Prawns and lemon chilli butter. Both were delicious, with the freshness of the ingredients much in evidence. We were given a sufficient amount of time to recover before our mains arrived, both of which were beautifully presented. The Smoked Salmon, hot-seared with Roasted Vegetables, Rosemary New Potatoes and balsamic oil tasted as good as it looked, whilst the Pan Crisp Duck Breast with Savoy Cabbage, Cherry tart and fondant potato with a honey-scented sauce was delightful. Both proved to be great choices and were readily devoured. Feeling extremely satisfied, albeit a little full, we were offered the dessert menu. Again what a choice - twelve options in all! My dining companion declined, on the basis that he couldn’t consume another morsel, whilst I, having a very sweet tooth and never being one to say no to a pudding, opted for the Whiskey, Marmalade Brioche pudding. Again this was delicious, with the orange-scented custard providing the perfect accompaniment to the moist and extremely flavoursome pudding. The dessert proved to be the perfect way to round off a meal that could only be described as a gastronomic delight. We will definitely return to the Waterside Bar and Restaurant, next time with family and friends in tow.