THIS sister restaurant to the sublime Michelin-starred The Crown at Whitebrook, near Monmouth, opened at Newport's five-star Celtic Manor Resort in March.

Executive chef for both establishments, James Sommerin, achieved the coveted accolade for The Crown at Whitebrook in 2007 and retained it this year, aims to create distinctive menus.

The Crown at Celtic Manor has a cool space-age chic with its ultramodern chandeliers and lighting.

We knew we were in for a treat when the pre-starter salmon arrived as well as the delicious bread - including rosemary.

A starter of foie gras with dried grapes and apple toasted brioche was sumptuous as was the delicately flavoured 64 degree poached hens' eggs with potato vinaigrette, salad and young peas and fresh summer truffle.

The mains were excellent. The pan roast sirloin of beef was served medium rare in slices with a fabulous langoustine tortellini, pea puree and braised gem lettuce.

Even better was the mouth-watering seared halibut, so fresh you could almost hear the sea.

It was beautifully presented, served with truffle potato, mushrooms and bone marrow jus.

And dessert was also up to the highest standards, the pear and butterscotch soufflé and exotic Tonka bean ice cream a treat.

The wine list is excellent which includes a great claret in the Chateau de Tiregand.

The service was right up there with the best.

Highly polished, warm and faultless.

The Celtic Manor restaurant compares very favourably with its Whitebrook sibling.

Dinner is £47.50 per person for three courses.