Gastropub cuisine has arrived in Fulwood with the opening of The Ginger Bistro.

Two of us went along on a cold, dark Friday night in January to try it out.

Located on Garstang Road, in what was Slice of Sicily, The Ginger Bistro interior has been totally revamped prior to its opening in December.

On stepping through the door there’s an eclectic mix of styles on display – from bold blue booth seating to rustic wood wall panelling and an Art Deco style mirrored ceiling. Somehow it all combines to create a warm and stylish atmosphere.

Read more: Ginger Bistro set to open in former Slice of Sicily site

The restaurant is more than half full when we arrive, and it continues to get busier throughout our meal.

The evening menu has a choice of six starters and nine main courses, but with no dietary information provided I need to ask what my choices are as a vegan.

The answer is not a huge amount, so I opt for hummus and vegetable crudités to start, priced at £4. As the kitchen has run out of one of the veggies my dish is supplemented with olives. The veg is fresh and the hummus and olives are tasty.

My companion chooses the salt and pepper squid with aioli dip, and thoroughly enjoys it.

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For main I have spinach, sweet potato and lentil dhal served with plain rice (£12.50). This is the only option that’s vegan by default, although the chef kindly offers to veganise the roasted butternut squash and spinach risotto.

The dhal is piping hot in temperature and fairly hot in spice. During my ensuing hot flush I find a lovely balance of flavours and the portion size is good.

Meanwhile my companion exclaims that his 8oz fillet steak (£24) is the best he’s had in a long time. Apparently his knife slips through the medium-rare meat like butter, and it’s perfectly complemented by the red wine sauce. He’s also a big fan of the skinny fries accompaniment.

I also order a side of fries as I’ve already checked ahead and there are no vegan dessert options, and after all I am a fried potato aficionado. Arriving late to the table, my fries appear to have been rushed out as they’re slightly less cooked than my companion’s. The portions of fries were huge, and I really didn’t need to order them. But they help mop up my dhal and I do of course somehow manage to eat them all.

Drinks-wise I enjoy a small glass of Pinot Grigio (£3.60) while my companion who is driving opts for table water and an espresso (£2).

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The staff are all very friendly, especially the young man who serves us and humours our middle-aged comments of wonder about contactless payments (yes, we’re still not over it).

A quick chat with the manager Simon Noble before we leave reveals things are going well at The Ginger Bistro, with just a few teething issues being ironed out.

I mention the relaxed atmosphere and Simon tells me how diners have been chatting across tables on quieter nights, something that seems to make him very happy.

Comments like this make it clear that being part of the Fulwood community is important to Simon, and to the owner Soji Joseph. And with its stylish decor, welcoming ambience, good food, and desire to keep improving there’s every reason to think The Ginger Bistro will be part of it for a very long time to come.

Have you been to The Ginger Bistro? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.