LOOKING over the lake after which Essex’s biggest shopping centre is named is a boat, inside which is the Miller and Carter restaurant.

With several of the restaurant’s tables enjoying the bonus of a ‘lake-view,’ this unique vantage point gives Miller and Carter the edge over several of the shopping centre’s eateries.

And only a matter of miles from the Dartford Crossing, this is one restaurant not to be found at neighbouring shopping complex Bluewater.

Stepping on board, one of the first things you notice is the restaurant is a real boat; looking above, the ceilings still show the works of a ship.

We opted to enjoy a two-course meal and already having our eyes set on an interesting variety of desserts, we dived straight into our main courses.

Miller and Carter is most-famous for its steaks so it felt rude to sample anything else, although the menu offered a selection of burgers, ribs and even fish for those in the mood for something different.

I opted for the 12oz sirloin steak which, a £21.95, was one of the priciest on the menu.

My friend Cassie chose the 8oz rump steak, costing £13.95.

Each of the steaks on the plentiful menu – certainly the most comprehensive I have come across outside of London - was served with an iceberg lettuce and onion loaf, which have become something of a Miller and Carter trademark.

As well as the usual sides expected with a steak, the restaurant offers a welcome choice of thin-cut chips or jacket potato, rather than just the usual chips.

Regardless, I opted to have fries served with my steak, as did Cassie.

The chips themselves deserve a special mention as they were crispy and seasoned to perfection, served in a separate bowl in order to preserve their taste.

Both steaks were substantial and were served as requested; mine well-done and Cassie’s cooked medium-rare and they came with a pat of garlic butter on top. A nice touch I thought. I also chose to have a dish of peppercorn sauce which was a great addition, as it was thick and creamy and accompanied the meat perfectly.

Our waitress Mary pointed me in the direction of what she recommended as the most ‘unique’ option on the list, something also appealing to me. I’ve seen enough mass-produced dessert menus in my lifetime and it was a pleasant surprise to see such a different choice, at what could be argued a chain restaurant.

The white chocolate box - £5.95 – is a white chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce inside and it was served on a shortbread base.

This was the standout part of the meal for me – just because it was so different.

The rest of the dessert menu boasted the usual suspects, ranging from rice pudding to banoffee pie as well as the apple pie on the specials board, which Cassie sampled.

Not only did the white chocolate box sound different to the rest, it also tasted different to anything I’ve had before.

I’m a big fan of anything white chocolate and not only was this white chocolate mousse but it was also served with white chocolate sauce on top.

Very impressive.

Miller and Carter was a great evening out.

The Lakeside restaurant was unique and cosy and the steaks were affordable, bursting with flavour. The dessert menu topped the night off perfectly.

Miller and Carter is at Lakeside Shopping Centre, one miles from the Dartford Crossing, and at Bourne Road in Bexleyheath.

FOOD: *** Great steaks and special shout-out for the white chocolate box

SERVICE: *** Friendly and prompt

INTERIOR/DECOR: **** The cosy Lakeside restaurant was uniquely situated on a boat