A visit to the Meeting Pool,in the magnificent grounds of the historic Montsalvat artists'colony,is more than just a meal. By day,artists,sculptors and jewellers can be seen working in their studios and,as evening descends,fat geese waddle in formation to their quarters while resident peacocks preen,just metres from the table. Like the restaurant,the carte is small with a short list of French provincial fare,such as cider-braised pork belly or a wild mushroom fricassee that combines perfectly with a soft,saffron-poached egg. Mains continue the theme,perhaps spatchcocked chicken with pancetta,baby onions and mushrooms,the juices best mopped up with freshly baked bread,or rabbit saddle stuffed with shallots and herbs and served on Puy lentils and a combination of cabbage and bacon. Dessert might be a'salad'of candied fennel,strawberry and rhubarb with an orange tuile. On sunny weekends,the Meeting Pool's large courtyard is a lovely place to,er,meet.