Jane Lloyd enjoys lively conversation and top cuisine

GOSSIP? We’re always ready to lend an ear. And we don’t particularly care if the story is fact, fiction, or somewhere in between, it always makes for good conversation.

So, imagine our delight when a neighbouring table decided to indulge us with some tittle-tattle – news about the venue’s change of ownership. Of course, we didn’t know the diners from Adam.

But when you’re practically sitting on top of someone – it seems only polite to pander to their attempts at social intimacy. I dare say more introverted types would have balked at such an invasion of personal space – but we found it amusing. In fact, I think the new owners of Winespeak may have stumbled on a winner.

By squashing tables so close together – everyone gets to know your name – and virtually everything else, bar your blood group. .

But in a world dominated by private booths and velvet ropes, it’s quite refreshing to be so socially involved. If you hanker for space and seclusion, however – I suggest you reserve a window seat.

Anyway, it was via word and mouth that I’d heard about Winespeak in the first place. Sandwiched between a bookmakers and a shop on a busy junction in West Kirby, you’d have to look twice to notice the brown shuttered entrance. But Anne, my food-loving friend, had long recommended it as a gourmand’s paradise with home-made chilli to die for.

Unfortunately, by the time I had crossed the threshold, both ownership and menu had changed – and there wasn’t a Mexican dish in sight. Instead, there was a specials board featuring several modern British options – lucky I was wearing my contact lenses.

Inspired by the Sainsbury’s adverts, I opted for the starter of mushrooms stuffed with brie and wrapped in Parma ham (£4.30), while Jane, after much deliberation, went for the shredded duck salad with lemongrass dressing (£4.95).

Service was a bit slow. Then again, it was super-busy and our server did his best to be in several places at once while retaining an air of attentiveness.

When the dishes eventually arrived, they were beautifully presented and well executed – though I felt my mushroom platter drowned in too much salad (I have a slight aversion to anything too healthy as my waistline can verify).