There are few experiences finer in this world than spending an evening at London's Royal Opera House. For last month's production of 'Die Zauberflote', we decided to go the whole hog and have dinner at Searcys, the restaurant inside the ROH. Seated in one corner of the square, first floor balcony which overlooks the magnificent atrium, sipping a champagne cocktail, with an evening of superb art to look forward to, one feels enormously privileged and grateful. Well, that should be the reaction.

We arrived bang on six o'clock to ensure we had the full hour and a half to enioy before the performance. This was a wise decision, as the time seemed to fly by. Given that Searcy has to cope with a large number of diners on a night like this, the menu is understandably restricted to a handful of choices. After a light and tasty crab and crayfish salad, KB tucked into a a hearty plate of fish and chips, while I had venison and potato. We washed it down with a pricey Pomerol which was light enough to accompany both dishes very nicely.

One of the most attractive aspects of dining at Searcy is that dessert takes place during the long interval. So after an hour of Mozart, we came back for pecan pie and a glass of decent glass of Monbazillac, a blend of Semillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle.

Dining at Searcy does make for the perfect accompaniment to an evening at the Opera House. What the food lacks in originality and creativity is more than made up by the splendid experience of just being there. Understandably, again, the staff were somewhat rushed off their feet, but served us very efficiently and politely.

Searcy is perfect for a special occasion or as a gift.