I've never been to a restaurant where I've been invited to cook my own dinner, but that was all part of the experience at The Cowshed last night as I went out for a birthday meal.

I've been longing to go to the Cowshed since it opened in October last year. I can't believe it's taken this long.

So we had the kitchen table at the back which is as it sounds, a big chunky farmhouse kitchen table, which seats eight people, in front of the open kitchen. We had the table to ourselves and I really liked the atmosphere of being so close to the kitchen, took me back to when I used to work for a living in various restaurant kitchens for a while.

The Cowshed really works hard to offer something different and part of that is the steak on stone, which is your chance to cook your own steak. I had to give that a go and after a fairly in-depth consultation process with the well-informed waiter, I chose the 10oz sirloin.

As it sounds, the steak comes out pre-sliced and raw with a hot stone slab, with seasoning, so that you can whack it on the stone yourself and cook it to your taste, if you’re inclined.

I must admit I was a little sceptical at first thinking it might be a bit of a gimmick, and I don't think I would choose it every time, but it was good fun on a special occasion and was certainly a talking point. Although I was amused to see that it cost more to cook your own steak than to choose one off the regular menu and have the well trained and talented chef do it for you, but it does come with fat chips and a small salad.

I like the way they do things there, the team are clearly passionate about the food and the steak did taste amazing, packed full of flavours and the portions were good. After my chocolate brownie dessert I didn’t feel like I needed anything else. 

The atmosphere was good and the service professional and friendly. It was also great to see the place reasonably busy for a Wednesday night, so it seems the first six months have gone well for owner Adam Denton.

Is it the best steak in town? Quite possibly.