Last night I spoke to a gentlemen sat at the bar who said that, when looking for somewhere to go for dinner, nothing is quite like a personal recommendation from a friend or from someone you trust.

Ilford Recorder: The Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario SparaceThe Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario Sparace (Image: Mario Sparace)

Well I personally recommend the Gallery.

Friendly, perfectly mannered and knowledgeable staff, a menu to make your mouth water and a wonderful cocktail selection is the ideal way to round off your night - or start it depending on which way you are inclined.

Ilford Recorder: Grilled monkfish and prawns served with lemon, herbs and new potatoes.Grilled monkfish and prawns served with lemon, herbs and new potatoes. (Image: Liam Coleman)

Beef tartare and king tiger prawns to start. Delicious, elegantly served and unbelievably tasty.

Followed by a fillet steak - medium rare - pink in the middle and delicious - and Monkfish, fresh and meaty, served alongside creamy spinach, dauphinois potatoes and green beans with challots.

Ilford Recorder: The Gallery has an extensive menu of modern British grilled dishes, a selection of succulent steaks, fresh water seafood and a variety of tastes to suit vegan and vegetarian dinersThe Gallery has an extensive menu of modern British grilled dishes, a selection of succulent steaks, fresh water seafood and a variety of tastes to suit vegan and vegetarian diners (Image: Liam Coleman)

I told you it was a mouth watering menu.

And then for our sweet tooth - a recommendation from the maitre’d - chocolate fondant and sticky toffee pudding. Like I said before, a recommendation from a friend or someone you trust is priceless. And that certainly was.

Ilford Recorder: BBQ Tiger prawns, with chilli, garlic and served with sourdough bread.BBQ Tiger prawns, with chilli, garlic and served with sourdough bread. (Image: Liam Coleman)

The night was rounded off with an espresso martini at the bar - the perfect digestif.

But if you don’t fancy a drink at the bar and prefer your old fashioneds brought to your table - taking inspiration from iconic Soho venue Bob Bob Ricard - there is even a ‘press for cocktails’ button.

Ilford Recorder: Beef tartare with nduja emulsion, hens yolk and toasted brioche.Beef tartare with nduja emulsion, hens yolk and toasted brioche. (Image: Liam Coleman)

The Gallery is a restaurant and bar that the people of South Woodford have been waiting for - previously The Woodford and most recently LDN Grill - it is fine dining at its best.

It has some wonderful spaces whether you want an intimate meal with your loved one, a fancy first date drink or even a Christmas party or special event.

Ilford Recorder: The 'push for cocktails' button is the perfect way to end your night.The 'push for cocktails' button is the perfect way to end your night. (Image: Liam Coleman)

Diners are welcomed by the glitzy gold sequin entrance - the perfect opportunity for that Instagram photo - and a self-playing polished grand piano - that as you enjoy your food you are serenaded by songs from the across the eras, from Pharell to Sinatra and back again.

The chef behind it all is Dave Rann - trained by Gary Rhodes and Gordon Ramsay - he has worked in a host of Michelin starred restaurants and was former head chef at Rhubarb, one of the UK’s leading hospitality groups.

Ilford Recorder: The Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario SparaceThe Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario Sparace (Image: Mario Sparace)

I will certainly be returning to the Gallery, and would recommend you do the same.

For reservations call 020 8505 7676 or visit www.thegallerybarandgrill.co.uk

Ilford Recorder: The Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario SparaceThe Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario Sparace (Image: Mario Sparace)

Ilford Recorder: The Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario SparaceThe Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario Sparace (Image: Mario Sparace)

Ilford Recorder: The Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario SparaceThe Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario Sparace (Image: Mario Sparace)

Ilford Recorder: The Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario SparaceThe Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario Sparace (Image: Mario Sparace)

Ilford Recorder: The Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario SparaceThe Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario Sparace (Image: Mario Sparace)

Ilford Recorder: The Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario SparaceThe Gallery in South Woodford opened last night. Photo: Mario Sparace (Image: Mario Sparace)

Ilford Recorder: Cheers!Cheers! (Image: Liam Coleman)

Ilford Recorder: Our reporter Liam Coleman certainly enjoyed his meal.Our reporter Liam Coleman certainly enjoyed his meal. (Image: Liam Coleman)