DINERS enjoying the wonderful 'vegetarian week' cuisine at The Fig Tree, Penarth seafront, on Monday evening (March 3) were amazed to find they too were being observed, as a beautiful barn owl came to peer in.

Everyone was thrilled by this visit until the owl began to try to join us, bumping and flying into the window.

Quickly, Sandie from The Fig Tree donned gloves and went out to help.

Chefs appeared from behind the scenes to offer some food. The owl seemed friendly, not afraid, but rather vulnerable and refused to 'go home', repeatedly trying to get into the restaurant. A box was quickly produced, owl popped in in a flash, and phone call to helpline established.

It was an extraordinary end to a wonderful evening - as well as memories of 'Tomlins', the fantastic veggie restaurant of Penarth.

Well done to The Fig Tree for keeping up this collaboration with David Tomlinson as a twice-yearly visiting chef - and very well done for the concern and kindness they showed during a busy evening, for a beautiful creature, who no doubt will soon be returned to its home.

In fact, we noticed that the restaurant is also running a charity evening to support 'Shua' this month, so 'animals in need' are certainly getting positive attention in this town!

The photograph shows the owl sitting outside on the ledge, looking directly in at us through the window, and Mike and Sandie from The Fig Tree with 'takeaway' owl in box. Definitely a story to dine out on.

Roger, Lynne and Chayoung

Penarth