IT IS not often you can experience the taste of luxury at the fraction of the cost but at this cafe, it is a reality.

Tucked away in deep in the heart of Prestonville, in Upper Hamilton Road, Brighton, Joe's is not where you'd expect a former Savoy chef to be dishing up a three-course dinner.

But it is every Friday and Saturday night, with regulars returning week in and week out to get a taste of luxury - at bargain prices.

Arriving shortly before my 7pm booking, I wondered first if I had found the right place.

But any unease about whether an upmarket meal could be cooked from a cafe known for its award-winning breakfasts was quickly put to bed.

Warmly greeted by co-owner Julia McGlennon, I took my seat opposite the kitchen and was offered a selection of bread and olives alongside a glass of prosecco, all included in the £25 price.

Choosing a starter was difficult, with a selection of promising choices including goujons of bassa deep fried, served with home-made tartar sauce and mixed leaves, which I settled on.

A generous portion size set the tone of what was to come with the main - a confit of duck leg served with peas, French style.

So tender was the duck that in one soft tug, I was able to pull the bone from the meat completely.

It was served alongside a baking tray of potatoes and vegetables big enough to feed two people.

By now the cafe was beginning to fill up with customers, most of who were weekly regulars.

Before long, it was time for dessert, which included crème caramel served with marinated strawberries, profiteroles filled with raspberry cream and served with chocolate sauce or a selection of cheeses served with artisan bread.

Keen to experience the raspberry cream at Julia's recommendations, I opted for the profiteroles.

A short time later, five plump pastries arrived on the table. Soft and moist, the strawberry creme oozed from the fresh dough with a firm swipe of my spoon.

Full compliments to chef Andy McGlennon and his wife Julia - I will be back.

Joe's also hosts a barbecue night every Wednesday evening from 6pm to 8pm.