THE last time we reviewed The Dog House it was compared to something out of Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares.

But two years on, with new management in place and some tasty looking dishes on the menu, I thought it was time to see if the pub could come out of its proverbial namesake.

The pub, which is in Frilford Heath, a few miles outside Abingdon, certainly looks the part with its calming sage walls, and mix of lightly sanded wooden floors and cosy carpet.

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An eighteenth-century coaching inn, the dining space is deceptively large, with an extension providing some welcome additional seating.

Things got off to a good start, with service excellent from the moment I arrived – seated right away, menu handed over and drink order taken within moments.

The restaurant wasn’t exactly overflowing on a Monday evening but there were still a smattering of other tables filled with customers - all a safe social distance apart.

I decided to try a couple of the newer dishes, starting with a pan-fried hake and mussel chowder (£15.99).

My plate arrived quickly complete with crushed parsley baby potatoes, cabbage and smoked bacon.

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The hake was also served with pan-fried king prawns, samphire, plus the mussel and roasted sweetcorn chowder.

This was from the chef's recommendations section of the menu and while a pretty plate to look at I'm not convinced it was worth the price.

The fish was nicely cooked but the chowder wasn't packed full of flavour as I'd hoped.

The bacon, buried under the hake, was also overcooked and made for an unpleasant mouthful when combined with the other elements of the dish.

For a more affordable option the pub does also run a supper club weekdays from 4pm, with two dishes from a more limited menu for £13.79 or three for an extra £2.

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When it came to dessert I opted for a Bakewell tart (£5.69) and what a fortuitous decision it was.

The traditional pudding, which is admittedly a firm favourite, was a treat from the first hit of the sharp and sweet smell of the raspberry coulis through the last spoonful of almond sponge, flaky pastry and clotted cream ice cream.

If there was one off note it was the slight soggy bottom of the tart, which could have done with a few more minutes in the over, but to be perfectly honest I was enjoying the dessert too much to care.

With such a stand out pudding, I think The Dog House definitely deserves a second look.