Isle of Wight's Braai is a summer pop-up on the Nunwell estate, Brading; a collaboration between the estate, its farms and produce providers, plus dynamic Ryde-based restaurant brand The Heron, led by chef Alex Kimber.

Braai is Afrikaans for grilling or roasting, mainly meat, over hot coals - our tip: if you don't want to smell of smoke, sit away from the kitchen.

However, here, the menu was no Saffer sausage-fest, although there were some African nods, plus plenty of non-meat options.

The star of the show is the venue; a vast open-sided barn with superb views over the bucolic Nunwell parkland.

In theory, you will appreciate the venue in any weather, but in practice a dry sunny day is going to be better.

The Braai Tasting Board is a rare bargain at £35 per head, including four characterful side-dishes and five tasters of the mains.

(Image: Matt and Cat)

What's more, there was enough of each sample for both of us to indulge. Nunwell Farm sausages? Two of them. Smoked crevettes? Two of those, too.

This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many sharing platters have uneven quantities.

The gorgeously rich butterflied smoked mackerel was the only exception, but that was generous enough to cut down the middle.

Also available as a main course, the best item on the board was Wight Whisky and Nunwell Honey glazed shoulder of pork; a sticky pile of pulled meat heaped onto a pitta and loaded with crispy onions.

(Image: Matt and Cat)

In Alex Kimber's hands, this meaty delight demonstrated that pulled pork is not just yesterday's trendy ingredient.

Only a lunatic would have turned down Mermaid spiced rum pineapple dessert.

A steaming-hot chunk of pellucid caramelised pineapple came with a sharp, creamy swirl of lime creme fraiche, topped with a raspberry granola.

The rummy, grilled juice seeped out of the fruit into the cream to make a fabulous dish.  

(Image: Matt and Cat)

Braai has a delightfully rustic and informal atmosphere, with a strong restaurant influence.

We liked this place a lot. It's innovative and fresh, with impeccable local provenance credentials.

The food was excellent and beautifully presented.

Braai is open for lunch and dinner until September 22 of this year.

Tables are hard to come by, so if you want our advice - and if you've read this far, you probably do - book early.

(Image: Matt and Cat)

(Image: Matt and Cat)