You may not expect to find an awar-winning restaurant in the middle of an airfield, but everything about Elstree Bistro and Bar at Elstree Aerodrome exceeds expectations.

Despite the restaurant being in the aerodrome itself, it is not just a venue for plane spotters, although there are plenty of oppurtunities to watch the jet-set flying in and out.

Spectacular views over nearby Aldenham Country Park mean that you can really feel like you have escaped the city, even if it's only for the evening.

The airfield's proximity to central London means that it is regularly used by film stars, politicians and sports personalities, coming to town on flying visits.

Jim Yaman, who co-owns the Elstree Bistro and Bar with his brother, says that they often play host to celebrity guests. "Recently we have had visits from Arsene Wenger, Les Ferdinand and, just before the election, Tony Blair came in," he explains, as he shows me a picture of the Prime Minister shaking hands with the chef.

Movie fans may be interested to know that Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise also passed by just a few weeks ago as they flew in to promote their latest film, The War of the Worlds. But forget the stars, the best reason to visit is for the food.

Turkish specialities sit alongside dishes such as steak and grilled fish, all of which are cooked on the open grill that sits at the back of the dining space.

This traditional Turkish method of cooking means that the room is filled with mouthwatering aromas and it adds a little bit of theatre to your meals as you watch the chef cook your food in front of you.

My starter if spicy 'sucuk' was fantastic. The griddled slices of spicy Turkish sausage were served with a simple salad and pitta for a delicious taste of the Mediterranean.

The large selection of hot and cold starters also included pan-fried slices of halloumi cheese served with fresh vegetables, and a mixed meze, which brings together many Mediterranean favourites such as houmous, stuffed vine leaves and falafel.

For the main course, I went for one of the many styles of kebab on offer: succulent pieces of chicken breasts that had been marinaded in olive oil, paprika and mixed spices before being cooked over the charcoal grill. Served with rice, griddled vegetables and salad, it was delicious and filling.

One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the house speciality, Sultan Kebab, a delicious combination of tender lamb fillet, interleaved with aubergine and topped with cheese. It is served with a tomato sauce and good old roast potatoes to make a meal fit for a sultan.

For a truly unusual dining experience, you can't beat a visit to the Elstree Bistro and Bar.

The food is outstanding and with friendly service and a great atmosphere you will want to keep going back - and you never know who you might bump into!

Open from 6.30pm to 11pm, Wednesday to Saturday. Private parties and special events catered for.

Elstree Bistro and Bar
Elstree Aerodrome
Elstree
Herts
WD6 3AR
020 8953 6013