Gourmands are spoiled for choice in The Village, but with so many establishments providing a similar offering, picking the right restaurant for the occasion can be a challenge.

Lawn Bistro took over Lydon's in 2011 and has set about marking itself out as a cut above its rivals, backed by the hiring of head chef Neal Cooper.

A focus on game and unusual ingredients gives the Bistro an edge over neighbours Auberge and Cote Brasserie, while a more relaxed feel to the restaurant marks it apart from top end rivals such as The Lighthouse.

To start it was new addition, the poached duck egg, which grabbed my attention, while my partner opted for a Charcuterie platter of Welsh Trealy farm meats.

Served with Jerusalem artichoke and pesto purée, the egg was extremely delicate, and the flavour perhaps a touch too subtle for my palate, while the platter received such rave reviews from the other side of the table it was all I could do to persuade her to give me a snatched taste.

The starter had left me a touch disappointed, but all was forgiven and forgotten with the arrival of the main.

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l-r - The Charcuterie, duck egg, rabbit roulade and chocolate financier

The rabbit and pistachio roulade with crispy drumstick butter, poached shrimp, carrot and star anise puree was superb. Rich flavours combined perfectly and even as I write this the memory of that first bite has me salivating like a Pavlovian dog.

After two such rich courses desert was completely unnecessary but the chocolate financier, accompanied by the odd combination of caramel popcorn and sweetcorn ice cream was too intriguing to miss. My curiosity was rewarded, firstly with a sumptuous end to my meal, and later with an uncomfortable walk home as my body chastised me for my greed.

For such quality, it is not surprising that a trip to the Lawn Bistro might leave your wallet a bit light, (starters cost on average £8, mains £20) but between Tuesday and Thursday there is a fixed price (£23.95 for two courses, £27.95 for three courses) menu available.

Finally I could not leave the review without mentioning the weighty tome that is Lawn Bistro's wine menu.

The 180 bottle cellar is a touch intimidating but in amongst the £100 offerings are more reasonably priced bottles, or options to have just a 250ml carafe. Perhaps surprisingly for a venue that places such a strong emphasis on its wines, Lawn Bistro offers a Bring Your Own on Wednesdays. We shared a very decent bottle of South African 2013 Chenin Blanc.

Lawn Bistro, 67 High St, Wimbledon, SW19 5EE, thelawnbistro.co.uk