IT WAS not so much the morning after the night before as the afternoon after the night before. After a rather late Saturday night, a late Sunday lunch somewhere calm and relaxing sounded ideal.
 
So it was, with this in mind, we set out for the Devon Doorway, on the outskirts of Heswall.
 
Heswall isn’t exactly on our doorstep, but, as the Sunday afternoon light faded, a drive in the country seemed just the thing to blow away the cobwebs.
 
Forty-five minutes later and we were pulling into the Devon Doorway’s car park, a blur of Porsches, Mercs and 4x4s.
 
From the outside, the thatched cottage-style country pub/ restaurant appears quaint and homely, but that all changes when you step through the door.
 
Far from twee, it is actually stylishly designed in bright, modern colours with various dining areas.
 
Approaching 5.30pm, the Sunday lunch rush had dissipated but there were a number of diners at tables and the lounge/bar area was busy.
 
We ordered a couple of drinks while we perused the menu. In a moment of abstinence, I opted for a diet Coke and my other half - a little perturbed that they only did one bottled beer which he had not heard of - went for a pint of lager shandy.
 
Like the restaurant, the menu at the Devon Doorway is something of a surprise, as there is virtually every variation of food on it.
 
For those looking for light bites, there is an extensive selection of salads and platters. Then there’s the pasta dishes and a good selection of pizzas. If you are in need of something hearty, there are steaks with a range of sauces, a couple of fresh fish dishes and simple yet tasty classics like lamb shank, fish pie and, of course, the obligatory burger.