I DON’T need much persuasion to eat out.

In fact, I don’t need any.

So when my boyfriend invited me out for lunch I jumped at the chance to escape the office for an hour.

Fancying a proper meal rather than a sandwich, but pushed for time we decided to try Taste Bistro and Bar in the centre of town as it was practically empty.

The décor was simple, with a few pieces of artwork dotted about. It had more of a cool coffee shop vibe than a restaurant but the extensive menu and tempting specials certainly heightened my expectations.

I’d heard that Taste had a good reputation for its seafood and with items such as Seafood and Shellfish platters (£14.95-£39.95 sharing) my mouth did start to water. There was so much variety, even the fussiest eater would find something. There were even meals that offered a smaller portion for those wanting a lighter bite.

Finally, my boyfriend opted for the beer battered fish and chips and I chose the hot duck salad with hoi sin sauce and mixed vegetables.

Our food arrived quickly and I’m a bit of a stickler for presentation, but was suitably impressed with my salad. There was a lot of duck and as my boyfriend always says ‘the value is in the meat’.

Paul got stuck into his rather generous portion of fish and chips and said the fish was better than the best Weymouth chip shops. He wasn’t too pleased with his chips though, comparing them to roast potatoes. Seizing an opportunity, I sampled them for myself. They were a little dry and clumped together, but the fish made up for it – delicious.

My duck salad had everything you could put into a salad and then some. Mediterranean vegetables, crisp, herby salad and of course a lot of duck.

I’m not often full after salad but this was different. I didn’t even have room for the rhubarb crumble and custard (£3.95) I had earmarked.

Instead I chose a mixed berry fruit smoothie to satisfy my sweet tooth – heavenly.

Taste Bistro and Bar is a great place to eat and a nice place to relax with a coffee. The menu is varied, the staff are friendly and the food is delicious. I just can’t believe it’s taken me until now to go there.

• Taste, St Mary Street, Weymouth. Tel: 01305 777762 This is an independent review by a reporter without the co-operation of the establishment.

My Taste Bistro & Bar bill:

Fish & chips: £9.95

Hoi Sin duck salad: £10.95

Diet coke: £1.95

Carling (pint): £3.00

Berry smoothie: £2.95

TOTAL: £28.80