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* Debut
* Stones
* Beeches Hotel
* Stones
* The Wildebeeste
* St. Benedicts Restaurant
* Rushcutter's Public House
* The Last Wine Bar
* The Old Mill
* Adlard's
* Fizz Buzz
* 1Up
* The Black Horse, Earlham Road
* The Merchants of Colegate
* Honingham Buck
* Mackintosh's Canteen
* The Eagle
* Tatlers
* The Reindeer
* Erpingham House
* The Lavendar House, Brundall
* Cinema City
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St. Andrews Street, Norwich, NR2 4AD
Tel: 07504 356 378
Parking: No - nearest car park St. Andrews Street
Smoking - No
Expect to pay: Prix Fixe Menu £14 for 2 courses, £18 for 3. Normal menu - £25 (approx) for 2 courses plus drinks, £30 (approx) for 3 courses plus drinks.
I'd actually wanted to come here for ages. I'd had a look at the menu and peered inside the window and I really liked the look of it. As we were at a bit of a loose end on a Saturday evening, what better thing to do than go for a reasonably-priced meal and a movie? Even better if you can get both under the same roof and the meal doesn't include a cinema hotdog!
We were greeted by a really nice young waitress who lead us to a cosy little room and a table in the corner by the window. I loved everything about it - the furniture, the decor the feel of the place. I could have easily sat here all night.
The service was excellent all evening, the atmosphere was lovely and cosy and the food was pretty good too. If the prix fixe menu food is anything to go by, I'll definitely be coming back soon to try the 'proper' stuff!
I had: For starters we both had the gnocchi with blue cheese and pesto. Superb. Really tasty and actually quite a good sized portion considering how much we were paying.
For main I had the fish cake with roumillard(?), which turned out to be like a 'posh' tartare sauce, served with rocket in a mustard dressing. I was also a bit piggy and ordered a side of chips. It was delicious. You know when you really fancy something and it comes out exactly how you hoped? This was what I wanted and what I got. The fish cake was huge and full of crab, the sauce went perfectly with it and the salad leaves complimented superby. The chips were crispy and fluffy and were just what I wanted.
I had a little bite of Catherine's Morroccan vegetable stew with cous cous and this was also very good.
We declined on desert, in favour of a tub of ice-cream in the cinema! We saw 'Son of Rambow' if you're interested - it was hilarious. Food AND film reviews! What more do you want from a website??
Rating:
Food: ***1/2 Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu **** Wine/Drinks ***
OVERALL = ***1/2
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39, The Street, Brundall, Norwich, Norfolk NR13 5AA
Tel: 01603 712215
Parking: Yes, plenty
Smoking: No
Expect to pay: £38.50 per person for 3 courses including canapes on arrival, an appetiser at the table and a pre-dessert. £55.00 per person if you wanted to try the tasting menu.
Our 6th anniversary! I'd arranged this as a little surprise. I'd heard so many good things about it - the chef/owner Richard Hughes never seems to be out of the local press - and also from people I'd spoken to. I also did a little bit of research and discovered that the restaurant has 3 AA rosettes and is listed in the Michelin guide. We were really excited about going and expected great things.
I loved how homely and welcoming it was. We were greeted by low ceilings and some lovely comfy sofas as we walked in and by a waitress/manager who made me feel like I was her long lost friend. We were asked to sit on one of the aforementioned sofas to look at the menus and were promptly brought some canapés - binham blue fritters, olives, bread sticks with a pate 'dip' and some tiny little toasts topped with smoked haddock. Really delicious and got our taste buds bouncing.
Our order was then taken by a really young, but very friendly and polite chap who then led us to our table. I was quite surprised how small the dining room was but again, I loved the low oak beams and the comfiness of it all. There was low-level music to add to the atmosphere of conversation and cutlery against plate.
The waitress offered us a wide choice of bread - fruit, fennel, sesame seed or cheese. Possibly the hardest choice of the night as they all looked so fresh and lovely.
We were then brought an appetiser to the table - by the owner himself! A lovely artichoke and truffle oil soup, which tasted superb and again got the tastebuds livened up. I have to admit I cleaned my plate with my bread roll...
For starter I had the spiced belly of Shropham pork with a crayfish fritter served with cucumber, ginger and sesame. This was utterly superb. A beautifully crisp fritter led to (a surpringly thick portion of) pork belly that just fell apart and melted in the mouth. The cucumber, ginger and sesame went perfectly with it all. One of the best starters I have ever eaten.
Catherine's venison ravioli, root vegetable spaghetti, red wine and tomato sauce was equally superb. The sauce tasted just like a casserole. Unfortunately, Catherine hadn't left enough bread to soak this up and wasn't given a spoon so was unable to finish this off. She was very diappointed to see the gentleman on the table next to us get a spoon to eat his!
I have to say that I was pretty disapointed by my main course of fillet and brisket of barnard's beef, Dauphinoise potatoes, peppered beetroot and port wine. Maybe I'd built it up in my head to be something that is wasn't. I'd also had my expectations heightened by what had gone before it. Fillet isn't the most flavoursome piece of meat so I expected the chefs here to do something special with it. Unfortunately, it still didn't have a great deal of flavour and the jus/sauce that came with it didn't really add much. I was even more disappointed with the brisket. This is where I think I may have built it up to be something it wasn't. Brisket is a very tough, but very flavoursome piece of beef and needs to be cooked slowly. I expected the chunk of meat on my plate to fall apart and be red and moist inside. I was very surprised when I had to apply pressure to my knife and once I'd cut it find it to be grey inside and chewy to eat. I don't really like complaining but I called the waiter over anyway. He told me that's how brisket comes. In that case - WHY does it come like that? Why would anyone want a really well done piece of meat on their plate? If that's how it comes, then serve a different piece of meat please! It did however, have far more flavour than the fillet but I couldn't help but be disappointed and a bit let down. I feel I could have maybe done just as good at home.
Catherine's confit leg and grilled breast of Gressingham duck served with Savoy cabbage and a
duck broth didn't fair much better. Again, I think this was due to expectations. Firstly, she was a bit annoyed that it didn't come with any form of potato. This was duely put right by the waiter who kindly asked the chef to put some mash on her plate. However, when we saw 'confit' we expected leg not a filo pastry tube filled with meat. It was very nice, just not what she expected. The breast was cooked perfectly and tasted superb. I just managed to get a couple of forkfuls before being warned not to come back for more!
We were then brought a pre-dessert of a whisky and raspberry semi fredo to cleanse the pallet and prepare us for dessert. We both loved this. Creamy and sharp with a hint of whisky. We both could've eaten a bowlful.
We decided to share a cheese plate and a dessert.
Again, I was pleasently surprised to be served by the owner. He wheeled over a fanatastic array of British cheeses - Blue cheeses, Goats cheeses, cheddars, bries, smoked cheeses and something called a sage derby, which I'd never heard of. I thought there was a limit to what we could have but no - we could have as much as we liked of whatver we liked! We were in heaven. We tried a piece of almost everything. The homemade biscuits that came with it were just incredible. Luckily, we'd left enough room for the vanilla cheesecake with gingerbread crumb, served with a rhubarb sorbet and poached rhubarb. This was absolutely amazing. A great mix of sweet, sharp and different textures. A perfect way to finish our meal.
At least I thought it was finished. We decided to skip coffee and catch an earlier train. The waiter really kindly went and found the train times for me after I asked him as a joke. We were just about to ask for the bill when a long trench like dish was placed on the table and a box, very much like you would keep expensive cigars in, was brought over. Inside there was pretty much the best thing we'd ever seen. A selection of homemade chocolates and truffles! White chocolate and mango, chilli chocolate truffles, baileys and chocolate truffles, and caramel and seasalt chocolates. Again, there was no limit to what we could have, so we had one of each! Coffee was promptly ordered and we took the later train.
Overall, we really enjoyed the experience and it was definitely worth the extra money that we would normally pay. However, I don't know if we'd be rushing to come back. Although the service and some parts of the meal were exceptional, we felt that a couple of places in Norwich were better.
Rating:
Food ****1/2 Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
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2, Warwick St, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3LD
Tel: 01603 627687
Smoking: No - smokers are banished outside!
Parking - No - nearest parking along Warwick Street or Unthank Road
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
It was time for us, Jason and Claire to go for our annual Christmas dinner. And what better place to have it than here? This was our favourite place and we hadn't been here together in over a year. We were all really excited about it and looking forward to a great meal. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the biggest disappointment of the year.
Almost everything about the meal and the evening was a real let-down and I really wish we'd stayed at home and cooked for ourselves.
Unfortunately, like everywhere else I guess at the time of year, the restaurant was full of Christmas parties and groups of work colleagues. We were the only group of 4 there. We were made to feel that we had been squeezed in and they were serving us round the big tables because our food was served so quickly. Our table was booked for 7.30 and by 8.45 we'd had all three courses, making us feel that they wanted us out.
There didn't seem to be much of an atmosphere, with the room feeling a little quiet. I can't remember if there was any music. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves though. Maybe it was just me - I'm not feeling Christmassy yet.
The service, by three very young and possibly inexperienced waitresses wasn't the best and I have to say it really annoyed me when they kept coming to our table with a tray to take things away when we hadn't finished with them. They were pleasant and polite enough but little things like that wind me up.
The food was the single biggest disappointment. I have to say that, apart from the starter, the meal bordered on pub grub - and not very good pub grub at that.
Overall, I'm guessing this can all be blamed on the Christmas period and this just happens sometimes. But when you go somewhere that has such high standards, I can't help feeling really let down and bit like I wasted money on something I could have done better at home.
I had: The warm smoked salmon with potato salad and watercress. This was excellent. Beautiful salmon with perfect accompaniments. A wonderful appetiser that really got me ready for my main course.
For main, we all had the roast turkey. There was a real sense of 'is this it'? when it was put in front of me. One slice of turkey, a few roast potatoes roasted in goose fat, one chipolata, a couple of (undercooked) sprouts, a piece of carrot, a piece of parsnip and some cranberry sauce. Served with a pretty watery gravy. Apart from the portion size, I was also unhappy that it all came on the plate. Christmas is a time for sharing and I fully expected the veg to come in seperate bowls. The potatoes, which we were all excited about, were burnt on the bottom, dry and powdery inside. The sprouts need a few more minutes and the gravy was awful.
Dessert wasn't much better. I had the banana parfait with chilled rice pudding and mango. What these were doing on the plate together I don't really know. I believe a parfait is supposed to be soft, almost mousse-like. This was quite hard and a little 'icy', like it needed to thaw out a bit more. It still tasted quite nice. The rice pudding was very good but really didn't go with the parfait.
I doubt this meal will stop us coming back here, as it's still one of the best places to eat in Norwich but it's going to take me a while to forgive them for one of the poorest meals I've had in a long time.
Rating:
Food: **1/2 Service **1/2 Atmosphere *** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL = ***
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46, Yarmouth Rd, Norwich, Norfolk NR7 0HE
Tel: 01603 435403
Smoking: No. Smoker are banished outside.
Parking: Yes - and plenty of it
Expect to pay: £15-20(approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £20-25(approx) a head for three courses with drinks
Catherine and I both fancied something really 'homely', British and comforting. We could easily have stayed at home and done this but we decided that we wanted to come out. We ideally fancied going to a country pub but as neither of us were willing to drive or pay for a taxi, we decided to come here.
When we got there, the car park was completely full and the place was absolutely heaving when we got inside. A good sign!
We were met by a very pleasant Scottish chap who took our names and asked us to get a drink at the bar and he'd seat us shortly. This gave us time to look at the menus and the rather huge specials board. I always worry slightly when there's more specials than 'normals' in a place. Doesn't make them seem very special. And ever since I found out that this place is part of a chain and the 'specials' are probably on boards all round the country, it does make me wonder how fresh and homemade they might be.
The service was very good. From the maitre de who met us to the very friendly chap who waited at our table. I loved the atmosphere of hustle and bustle, conversation and laughter.
However, I wasn't that impressed with my food. Unfortunately I had to send back my main course and choose something else but we'll get to that later.
Overall, it was a very pleasant evening and I guess we might go back in the future when we fancy some pub grub again.
I had: Originally I ordered the lamb wellington with sauteed potatoes and green beans from the special's board. I had visions of crispy pastry, pink lamb and a lovely jus to go with it. I asked for it pink, but got told 'I think it comes medium'. This was a warning sign that I should have heeded.
When the food arrived, the pasty WAS crisp and tasty and it DID come with a lovely jus. However, the meat was grey. I was really disappointed and to be honest, a bit angry. I sent it back and changed my order to steak and chips. Catherine now had to eat on her own while mine was being cooked. She said that her game casserole and mash was lovely, so at least she was happy.
My steak and chips was, well... steak and chips really! Perfectly cooked steak, good chips and the customary onion rings, mushrooms and grilled tomato were all there. It did what it said on the tin and I was very satisfied.
For pudding I had the treacle sponge pudding and custard and, apart from me doubting it being homemade, was very nice. It was comforting and fulfilling and made me smile. It was like getting a big cuddle from your mum. Just what I needed!
Rating:
Food *** Service **** Atmosphere ***** Menu **** Wine/Drinks ****
OVERALL = ***1/2
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22, Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1RF Tel: 01603 630090
Parking: No - nearest carpark Tombland or Castle Mall
Smoking: None. No facilities for smokers either. You will have to smoke on street
Expect to pay: £25 a head (approx) for 2 courses with wine and £30 a head (approx) for 3 courses with wine.
We were here because we had a Spree voucher and fancied getting out of the house. I work from home so, even though we can't afford to go out at the moment, I really needed to go somewhere. As this is one of the very few places that allows you to use Spree vouchers on a Saturday evening we decided to try it out. Not the greatest decision we've ever made.
A number of things irritated me about this place, but I will get to these later.
Although we'd booked, the girl at the bar had no record of my name and stared at me as if I was from mars but did have the curteousy to take me upstairs to the restaurant manager who DID know we were coming.
As we are pretty skint at the moment, we decided not to have starters and just go straight for the mains. Which was a good idea, seeing as none of the starters appealed to either of us.
Now, onto my first irritation. Nothing on the menu comes with anything!! For instance, Catherine had the confit of duck with mashed potatoes - that was all it came with. In any other place, you would get some form of veg with it. Not here - you have to buy something from the side orders menu. The same with my burger. It doesn't come with chips! You have to buy them seperately. Why not just include them in the price? Do they think someone might choose something different? Who is asking for mashed potato with their burger???
It was the same story with the dessert. You have to order cream or ice-cream etc to go with your pud!
The service was pretty awful, and we weren't the only ones who were getting treated badly. They were obviously woefully under-staffed in the kitchen and the dining area and nearly everyone was complaining about thier food being late. I felt very sorry for our waitress who was obviously quite new and didn't really know what was going on.
Onto my second irritation. Erpingham House has to decide whether it is a restaurant or a party venue. Upstairs there was some kind of party going on and you could hear the noise in the dining area. I don't want to hear that when I'm eating, thank you.
I had: The burger, with chips that I had to order seperately. It comes plain and you just order things to go with it, which I kinda liked the idea of. I asked for blue cheese and bacon. The burger was actually very good. Meaty, juicy and tasty. However, the chef must have forgotten to put in the sauce, gherkins and salad that the menu says come with it. However, to be fair, I didn't notice till halfway through. The aforementioned chips weren't too bad either. Crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. Probably cooked from frozen though.
Dessert was a bit of a nightmare. As mentioned above, you have to order ice-cream etc with the desserts. We ordered the tarte tatin and asked for ice-cream with it. The waitress misheard us and we were brought a whole bowl of ice-cream seperately! Luckily the manager took this off the bill. Unfortunately the ice-cream was mostly ice and if I'd been paying for it, it would have gone back.
The only real good thing about the meal was the wine - an excellent bottle of Australian Shiraz, which saved the evening from being a total disaster.
Overall, a pretty disappointing evening and one we probably won't be repeating.
Rating:
Food ** Service ** Atmosphere * Menu *** Wine/Drinks ****
OVERALL = **
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10, Dereham Rd, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4AY
Tel: 01603 762223
Parking: Yes, but minimal
Smoking: No - but heated courtyard outside
Expect to pay: £20 (approx)for 2 courses with wine, £25 (approx) for 3 courses with wine.
I'd been wanting to come here for an evening meal for quite a while. We've been here for the Sunday carvery many times and always enjoyed it. On our last visit we noticed they were having a Game night, so decided to book. At the last minute, 3 friends decided to join us.
We had a very nice welcome by the bar staff and were then shown to our table and promptly brought menus by our very sweet waitress.
The atmosphere was very good - music at the right level and a hum of people talking and enjoying themselves in the background.
Our service was good, but maybe slightly over-keen. We were asked what we wanted to order before we'd had a chance to look and also were asked how our food was before we'd even had a chance to try it. However, you can't really fault them for that.
The food was very good and everyone thouroughly enjoyed it. I'd definitely come again for another themed evening - although not for the Vegetarian Night they have planned in the near future!!!
I had: For starter I had the game terrine with French bread. This was excellent. A fantastically meaty slab of terrine served with fresh bread. Beautifully flavoured and a perfect starter. I also got to try my friend Jo's pigeon (nice but slightly overcooked), and Catherine's Oxtail soup. This was really gorgeous but way too thick and meaty for a soup. Not really a complaint, just something we all mentioned.
For main I was a bit of a pain. I was originally having the game cassoulet with duck, game sausages and pheasant but saw one of the venison steaks being served on another table and changed my mind. The steak was fantastic. Beautifully charred on the outside and nice and pink on the inside. The jus it came with suited it perfectly. If I have to have a slight moan, it was maybe cooked a little over and should have been a bit rarer.
I also got to try Gareth's whole roasted partridge wrapped in bacon served on red cabbage, which was excellent. Fantastically crispy bacon with juicy bird. I also got to try Catherine's cassoulet, which was equally good. There was lots of swapping going on round the table as we all tried each other's meals, which is the way I like it, and the way I think it should be when you go out to eat!
The only moan we all had was the accompaniments that came with the food. The broccoli, carrots and cauliflower were fine but the dauphinois potatoes really didn't go. Our food was crying out for a good blob of mash!!
For dessert, Catherine and I shared the quince tarte tatin with cinnamon ice-cream and the chocolate tort with whipped cream. Both were superb and finished the meal perfectly. We all had to be rolled out of the door afterwards as we were so full...
RATING:
Food ***1/2 Service **** Atmosphere **** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL = ****
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8-10, St.Andrews Hill, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1AD
Tel: 01603 767321
Smoking; Yes - at bar (at time of visit)
Parking: No - Nearest parking St. Andrews or Castle Mall
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
We were here for our friend Kammy's birthday. I was really looking forward to my meal as each time I've been I've gone away really happy. Also, this was the first time I was going to experience the new, more expensive menu.
The welcome here is always friendly, and as I get on quite well with the manager (and I gave the restaurant an award for Best Service last year) I was given a cheery hello.
The service, as usual, was excellent. Friendly, efficient and inobtrusive. We were helped with choosing wines, food and everything was explained really well.
The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable as usual. I have no idea why but this place always brings out the child in us and we almost always end up laughing and joking, making lots of noise and probably annoying other patrons. But it's nice to have a place you feel comfortable enough to do that sort of thing.
The food and wine were really superb. We were lucky enough to have a bit of a wine 'expert' amongst our party and also people with enough money not to worry about the price of it. We shared some beautiful French whites and reds and it made for a perfect meal. When you get the wine right, it's astonishing how better it makes your meal.
We left very full, very drunk and still laughing. We'll be back very soon hopefully.
I had: For starter I had the lobster ravioli with a crab bisque from the special's board. This was very very good. There were only 8 portions of this for the whole evening and our table had 4 of them. Delicate tortilini opened up to beautiful pieces of lobster and vegetables. The bisque was rich, tasty and contained beautiful pieces of sweet crab meat. A really really good starter and it left me wanting more.
For my main course I had the roasted duck breast, which came with dauphinois potatoes, vegetables and a really rich and flavoursome jus. It wasn't mindblowing, being just meat, potaoes and veg but it was very very good. Everything was perfectly cooked and it tasted great. It also went perfectly with the French red that I had with it.
For dessert I had God's very own pudding. It was sensational and I could have eaten 10 of them. Rum panna cotta with alfonso mango. Gorgeous milky panna cotta with the sweet/sharp taste of the mango just went perfectly together. A seriously good end to a very good meal.
Rating:
Food ***** Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL = *****
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82, Norwich Rd, Stoke Holy Cross, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 8QJ
Tel: 01508 492497
Smoking: No
Parking: Yes and plenty of it
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
We were here for a friend's birthday and as we hadn't been for a while, we were really looking forward to it. It's great to have a place to go to which you know you're going to have a good meal at. It didn't disappoint.
We had a lovely welcome as we arrived and were led to a really nice table in the corner. I still love the decor of curved wooden tables, the lamps and wooden giraffes that adourn the place.
The atmosphere of people talking, laughing and in some cases shouting was really vibrant and comfortable.
The service, as usual, was excellent. Helpful, polite, friendly and efficient. Wine was poured in the right measures at the appropriate times, food was brought and clean plates taken away at good intervals and we were constantly asked if everything was ok.
The only thing that let the evening down slightly was, surprisingly, the food. There wasn't anything exactly 'wrong' with my meal, it just didn't really excite me or have me enthusing like I normally do when I leave here. It won't stop me coming back but I have to say, that if asked where to eat in the Norfolk area, I would now only put The Wildebeest at number 3 or even 4 in my list of best places.
I had: Seared fois gras with pancetta and caramalised onion with toast. This was really rich, tasty and very homely. A very posh liver, bacon and onions. I could've eaten a main size portion with a large glass of merlot. Unfortunately, I was designated driver for the evening.
For main course I had the halibut with a saffron risotto, peas, broad beans, asparagus and samphire. I have to say that this was good, but not great. The fish was slightly overcooked and the accompaniments, apart from the risotto, although very nice were all a bit 'samey'. The textures and flavours of the beans, peas, asparagus and samphires all melded into one and I felt that the dish really didn't need one or even two of them. It was still very nice and I'm probably just being picky but it just didn't really excite me. It did however, go perfectly with the glass of Argentine Vignonier I had with it.
I was most disappointed with my dessert. I ordered the chocolate fondant with raspberry ripple ice-cream, baked rhubarb and a caramel sauce. Everything individually was very good but it didn't seem to come together as a dish. Rhubarb doesn't go with chocolate or caramel as far as I'm concerned and the raspberry ripple ice-cream, although extremely tasty, didn't seem to go with anything. I was rather unsure of how to eat it. I was a bit confused as to why the caramel sauce was actually there. With chocolate oozing out of the middle of the fondant, it made it a little too sweet and a bit sickly. The sharpness of the rhubarb didn't quite cut through it unfortunately.
Rating:
Food ***1/2 Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL = ****
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We were here with our friends Chris and Carol who we hadn't seen in a while. Seemed like a nice idea to come somewhere that was informal and did good food so we decided to come here.
We were greeted by a very cheery manager who unfortunately didn't have my name down on the list of bookings. However, this wasn't a problem and we were sat at a very nice round table in the middle of the dining room.
I have to say that the service all night was excellent. Friendly, professional and unobtrusive.
I really like the atmosphere here. It really bustles with conversation and activity. I also love the fact that you can see the kitchen from where you sit and can watch the food come off the pass.
The menu was also very good. It's good to have such a good choice. You can either select from the normal everyday menu or from the list of specials that is given to you. There were quite a few things I could have eaten.
I have to say I'm still a bit confused about how I felt about the food. It was good, I just not sure if it was as good as I'd hoped or if it justified the prices. I just think it lacks the refinement of some other places in the city.
Overall, we had a very good night and we will definitely be back in the future.
I had: For starter, I had the smoked chicken and chorizo salad with avacado, cucumber and rocket. It was a huge plate of food for a starter but I wasn't complaining. The flavours and the textures went really well together but I have to say the only thing I could taste afterwards was the chorizo and couldn't really taste the chicken at all. However, it was a good appetiser and had me ready for my main course.
For main I had the seabass with a crayfish risotto, leeks, purple sprouting broccoli and a caper sauce. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed by this. Seabass is my favourite fish and I really fancied this dish but there was just too much going on and nothing really seemed to compliment each other. The fish got kind of lost amongst it all and was also ever so slightly overcooked. I still finished my plate it but I just didn't think it worked as a dish.
For dessert, I had the vanilla rice pudding with mango ice-cream and a rhubarb jelly. Now, this was good! Fantastically creamy rice with beautiful fruity ice-cream and sharp but light jelly. It could have been a bit more sharper but it was still very good and I loved every mouthful.
Rating:
Food *** Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu **** Wine/Drinks ***
OVERALL = ***1/2
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30 - 32 Colegate, Norwich, NR3 1BG
web: www.merchantsofcolegate.com
Tel: 01603 611711 / 766566
Fax: 01603 766566
Smoking: no
Parking: Colegate - St. Andrews Car Park
Expect to pay: £30-£50 food and drink
My fiance took me to The Merchants of Colgate for Valentine's Day - our anniversary! As soon as we walked in, I was given a beautiful long-stemmed red rose, and we were quickly seated in a quiet little alcove. We then received champagne and delicious oysters. The ambience was incredible. There was live jazz, gorgeous flower arrangements, and Jack Vettriano paintings (one of my favourite artists!). The staff were so polite, quick with our food and drink, and totally on the ball. The food was delicious! There was a small amuse bouche at the beginning of the meal - fresh (Norfolk!) lobster bisque with black truffle, then we had starters. I had Duck confit and foie gras terrine with parma ham, toasted brioche and onion jam. Jason had a warm scallop salad with gazpachio and tomato oil dressing... mmm... For the main course, we both had a beautiful beef fillet (perfectly cooked - I like it rare), candied baby onions, chestnut mushroom pancetta, and port jus. The onions set off the beef so nicely! The free Pinot Noir that came with the meal set off the flavours of our food perfectly. I was really impressed by the wide array of wines that were available, and they also had my favourite beer - Kronenbourg Blanc.
For dessert, definitely a crowning achievement, I had a hot chocolate fondant, with bitter chocolate sauce and creme chantilly. The crispy, bitter chocolate outside was contrasted by the smooth lush chocolate inside. The chantilly creme provided the perfect accompaniment to any chocolate lovers dream. For those that are not as chocolaty as me, there were two other options. Jason had the Vanilla panacotta, wit poached compote of blueberries and red wine syrup. I tried a little bit and it was delicious!! After the meal, we both had cappucinos, and they came with handmade truffles (I wish I could make them like that!), and crunchy little biscuits. All of the couples around us were pleasant to talk to, and we met some new friends that we will be returning with (to The Merchants) next Friday night!
It's so hard to find nice restaurants with good food... and the fact that there is live jazz really incites me to come back. I think it's important to support the vibrant artist community in Norwich, and I'm pleased that the Merchants of Colegate is doing this!
It was a fabulous night and I can't wait to return!
Rating:
Food ***** Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL = *****
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21 Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1RF
Tel: 01603 766670
Smoking: Yes - designated area (at time of visit)
Parking: No - nearest carpark Tombland
Expect to spend: £25-30 (approx) for 2 courses with drinks and £35-40 (approx) for 3 courses with drinks
This was one of the best meals and restaurant experiences I have had in a long while. All aspects of our evening were excellent - the service, the wine, the food, the atmosphere, everything.
We had been invited as guests of the manager who didn't agree with my previous review (see older reviews) where I'd said I hadn't really liked my meal. I would normally have declined such an offer but having discussed that I would not be biased in any way by free food and drink, I decided my wife and I would take her up on her generous offer.
We were greeted by the very friendly manager and a waitress, had our coats taken and, even though it was rather busy, given a choice of tables. We opted for the more 'romantic' side of the restaurant, and a table in the corner. We were immediately brought menus and brought bread - which I have to say was fresh and tasty and came with fantastic unsalted butter. In fact, the service all evening was superb.
I loved the decor of warm red paint, candlelight and framed pictures of Norfolk that adorned the room. The music was at just the right tempo and volume and added to the atmosphere of cutlery on plate and the hum of conversation. We were very surprised how busy it was for a Tuesday evening.
However, my problem last time wasn't with the atmosphere or the service. It was with the food - or rather what I had chosen to eat. Looking back, I have to admit I could have made better choices last time and maybe that was part of the reason I didn't enjoy my experience of Tatler's so much the last time I was here. I was determined to get this right this time and if it wasn't as good as I hoped then I really could blame the kitchen!
However, this was easier said than done. We had a really hard time making a decision as there were at least 3 things from the starters and the mains that we wanted. I also didn't want to make myself too full because they'd cunningly, unlike a lot of restaurants, included the desserts with the main menu. Again, another really hard choice, because out of five puddings, we wanted all of them! I believe we both made fantastic decisions as the food was superb. Well flavoured, good-sized and really good value.
Although it does offer fantastic value for money, Tatler's is rather on the expensive side. We will definitely be back in the future - when we have a bit of money to spend. Tatler's is the sort of place you may want to save for a special occasion or when you're feeling rather flush.
I had: For starter, I had the seared cornish scallops with sweet and sour leeks, morcilla and rocket. This was a fantastic appetiser. It attacked every corner of the palate. The soft delicate scallops were complimented perfectly by the tartness of the leeks, the saltiness of the Spanish black pudding and the pepperiness of the rocket. I could have eaten it all night and I was tempted to ask for the recipe. I was a bit of an oaf and asked for some more bread to mop up the oil and dressing left on my plate. But it was so good I didn't want to leave it.
I also got to try some of Catherine's crispy shredded duck with watercress, sugarsnaps, spring onion, cucumber, black bean dressing and crispy onions. Nowhere on the menu does it mention chillis or chilli oil but our friendly waitress warned us that it was very spicy. It packed a real kick but it was fantastic. Beautifully crisp duck and wonderful accompaniments. Catherine hates cucumber but really enjoyed it as part of this dish. I kept trying to get an extra forkful but was warned off by a chopstick-wielding wife.
I have to say that both dishes would have made a perfect lunch, as they were that big.
For main course I had the pan-fried skate with shrimps, cucumber, new potatoes, capers, nut- brown butter and lemon. Again, this hit all the right spots - the beautifully cooked (and well seasoned) delicate fish perfectly accompanied by the salty, sharp flavours of shrimps and capers and the gorgeous butter - which there was just enough of. It was bordering on being a little too buttery but in the end it was spot-on. I've never had such a thick piece of skate. It went on and on and on and I didn't think I was going to be able to finish my meal. However, I bravely ploughed on, leaving just the bones on the plate. For me, that was the perfect meal.
Catherine's lamb Kleftico with roast quince, crushed red wine potatoes and sprouting broccoli, although beautifully cooked, was a little disappointing. It's obviously meant to be a rustic dish, but it looked liked things had just been piled on the plate and looked a little unappetising - especially with a whole carrot served on the plate. Sometimes if you are served such a big pile of food it can be a little off-putting. However, the lamb fell apart, tasted absolutely fantastic and Catherine almost managed to clear her plate.
For dessert I had the coconut crème brulee with passion fruit compote. In December I gave out my awards (see awards page). If I'd had this dessert last year, Tatler's would now be proud owners of Best Dessert. As soon as I saw this on the menu, I wanted it. It didn't let me down. Fantasticly crunchy topping lead to a delicately flavoured custard that went perfectly with the little pot of compote. If that wasn't enough, it was served with a piece of warm homemade shortbread. I literally had to fight my wife off with my spoon to keep her away.
Luckily, I was allowed to try some of her baked white chocolate and poppy seed cheesecake with rhubarb. The creaminess of the gooey cheesecake was offset beautifully with the sharpness of the rhubarb and went together perfectly. Although a little heavy for my liking, Catherine almost licked her plate clean.
Rating:
Food ****1/2 Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL = ****1/2
For older reviews of Tatler's, click here
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33 Newmarket Rd, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 2HN
Tel: 01603 624173
Parking - Yes
Smoking - Yes - in bar (at time of visit)
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
Our second visit to the Eagle. As we were so impressed with our Christmas meal (below - which I have left on this page because I feel it was a totally different menu) I decided to bring my best friend and his girlfriend here for a meal.
We were met by a very cheery barman who took our drinks order and told us to take a seat. Again, the bar was full of the buzz of conversation and laughter although understandably a bit quieter than at Christmas.
Although I do feel it adds to the charm of the place, we were left sitting a bit too long holding our menus (both this time and last time we came) as the manager flitted from group to group to take orders and socialise. I really like this touch but it did leave us trying to get his attention and looking at our watches. We booked the table for 8-o-clock but weren't sat until 8.45. It didn't really matter because we had plenty to talk about but I hadn't eaten since 11am that day. The starters did arrive as soon as we sat down so I can't really complain.
This was our first time in the main restaurant and it was a plesant surprise. It was well lit, had lovely decor and the background music was at just the right level. The service, like last time, was excellent. Really friendly and efficient but not intrusive. Our waitress was good fun and even made some of the desserts on the menu!
The food was good, maybe not as good as what we had at Christmas but I didn't have any serious complaints. The wine we chose to go with it was also superb and went well with all our meals. I would however like a bit more choice on the wine menu but I'm really just nit-picking.
Overall, a really nice evening and we will definitely be coming back in the future.
I had: For starter I had the gruyere and red onion tart with a dressed salad. Although this tasted superb, I was a little disappointed that it wasn't an individual tart. It looked exactly like Catherine's Stilton cheesecake. I expected it to be in a round pastry shell but it was actually a triangular slice of a larger 'pie'. It was very much like a quiche. I got to try Catherine's cheesecake and it was very good. I also got to try Matt's parfait and Minnie's sushi, which were also excellent.
For main course, I had the sirloin steak with 'real' chips, grilled tomato and salad. Perfectly cooked meat, good chips and good accompaniments. It took me until halfway through to realise that it didn't have a sauce. It didn't need one. The steak was so juicy and the tomato so well cooked (and well seasoned) that a sauce may even have spoilt it. The only complaint I could have is that the chips could have been a bit more crispy.
For dessert, I had the cheesecake, on the recommendation of the waitress who made it. It was delicious but a bit too heavy for the meal I'd had. You could tell it was homemade as it was a real stick-to-the-roof-of-the-mouth job. Everyone on the table loved it and kept trying to grab another spoonful. I couldn't have managed it on my own.
I'm guessing our next time back here will be in the summer when we can sit outside in the garden and taste what The Eagle has on offer then.
Rating:
Food ***1/2 Service **** Atmosphere **** Menu ***1/2 Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL = ***1/2
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33 Newmarket Rd, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 2HN
Tel: 01603 624173
Parking - Yes
Smoking - Yes - in bar (at time of visit)
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
I'd heard a lot about this place from a fellow 'foody' and had wanted to try it out for ages. I have to admit it wasn't my first choice to come for our Christmas meal with Jason and Claire but I'm so glad we came.
We were met as soon as we got in the door by the 'host'/manager, he chekced our name on the list, told us to order drinks and take a seat and then brought us wine menus. Even thought he place was heaving with people (including the Norwich footballer Darren Huckerby and his wife), he was very attentive and took our wine order and sat us as soon as we'd finished drinks.
As we'd pre-ordered in the week, there was no need to look at menus so we settled down ready to eat straight away. As soon as we sat down, a lovely waitress or restaurant manager came over and introduced herself and wished us a pleasant evening, which we all thought was a nice touch. She and another waitress poured wine and water for us and then left us alone to chat and pull crackers. Throughout the evening, she and her staff were fantastic, one even stopping at the table long enough to hear my rubbish jokes.
The atmosphere was great with the hum of conversation and laughter mixing with the Christmas tunes playing at just the right level.
The food was really superb. The biggest compliment I can give it is that it actually made me feel Christmassy. I'm not the biggest fan of Christmas but I felt really in the mood after my meal. The only thing missing was the sofa, Only Fools and Horses and a snooze after I'd eaten.
I must also say this. The crackers we got were fantastic. The jokes were rubbish but the hats were great and one game that we got kept us amused for the whole evening. I don't know if that's got more to do with the quality of the game or just our state of mind...
I had: For starter I had the pork, sage and brandied apricot terrine with chutney and toast. This was fantastic. So many wonderful flavours. The terrine was gorgeous, the chutney and the toast (and conichons) complementing each other perfectly. The only slight complaint I could possibly have is that it was ginormous for a starter but I was starving so I didn't care!
The main course was just wonderful. We all had roast turkey with chestnut stuffing, duck fat roasties, gravy, chipolatas, sprouts and carrots. It was perfect and the reason I felt so Christmassy. The turkey was beautifully moist and juicy, the potatoes were out of this world and everything else was cooked perfectly. Even the carrots and sprouts were fantastic. We all completely pigged out.
I was a little disappointed with my dessert. Catherine and I both had the Christmas pudding with brandy custard. There was nothing wrong with it as such and it was very tasty, it just wasn't Christmas pudding. It was a bit spongey and cakey to be Christmas pudding. It still tasted very good so I'm not really complaining. Overall, we left extremely full, very happy, quite drunk and in need of the walk home. We'll definitely be back.
Rating:
Food ****1/2 Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL = ****1/2
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2, Warwick St, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3LD
Tel: 01603 627687
Smoking: Yes - in Mad Moose pub downstairs
Parking - No - nearest parking along Warwick Street or Unthank Road
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
My wife and I wanted to have a romantic meal in Norwich for her birthday (visiting from a more southerly town in East Anglia !!!) and used your website as a benchmark. We used your top tables guide and selected the 1Up restaurant in Warwick Street for our meal on 27th October 2006. We had a drink in the Mad Moose pub (downstairs) prior to going upstairs for the meal. The pub has a nice atmosphere and is split into smoking and non-smoking and the segregation does work. The restaurant itself has a very relaxed atmosphere and the staff very welcoming and attentive throughout.
My wife and I both agreed this was one of the best meals we have had for a long time and extremely good value for money. What impressed us apart from the value for money was the presentation of the food, the variation of flavour that each course introduced and the excellent taste/cooking of the food that was consistent throughout all three courses. The 1Up introduced some nice touches, including the freshly baked bread and the mini soup served in an espresso cup prior the starter being served. The menu also states a 25 minute waiting time for certain hot desserts which was a nice to know before hand and something we took advantage of to have a break and ready the pallet for the final course.
For starters I had roasted scallops with Roasted Beetroot and pork-belly (this was just like a mini roast pork in one mouthful). The combination of tastes was fantastic with each of the 3 parts finely complimented by an individual jus/sauce.
For the main we both had the Rib-eye steak, done to perfection for both our requirements. The steak was served with a combination of mini roast potatoes, mini carrots, mini artichokes, tomatoes and black olives…..a great taste combination.
For dessert I had a hot chocolate fondant with Chantilly cream and whisky parfait glace …for chocolate lovers this would be a must and once again the different tastes worked superbly….it was well worth the extra 25 minute wait. I can’t quite remember, in detail, what my wife had, but it was something with lots of cream, pavlova, iced cream and fruit (cherry flavoured pears or something like that) and it was absolutely gorgeous.
Food ***** Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL = *****
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410 Chapelfield Plain, Chapelfield, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1SZ
Tel: 01603 305280
Parking: Yes - Chapelfield carpark
Smoking: No
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
We'd been wanting to come here to try the evening menu for a while as we'd been here a few times for lunch and snacks in the past. The decision to come here this evening was mainly due to the fact that we'd been bought a £25 voucher for a wedding present.
We weren't disappointed. We had a lovely greeting from the female and very petite matre de and were led to our table. I was surprised how nice it was upstairs and how busy it was. I loved the decor, with the trendy chairs and tables and the way you can see into the kitchen. It did feel a little bit crowded however, and we were seated very close to the table next to us and could have, if we'd wanted, nosed into their conversation or vice versa. We didn't mind this. It kind of added to the experience. It was really bustling in there. A real cacofony of conversation and music in the dining area and pans clanging and things cooking in the kitchen. I liked it.
The service was excellent. Even though she was incredibly busy, she managed to be attentive, polite and efficient. She even took the wine off the bill when our starters hadn't arrived after almost 35 minutes. We actually hadn't noticed but we weren't going to say no to a free bottle of wine!
The menu was a really good mixture of the basic offerings of the lunch menu (I have to say I was tempted by ham, egg and chips!) and the specials for the evening. We both found it hard to make a decision, which was a good thing. The Australian house Shiraz was superb and complimented our meal perfectly. Some parts of the meal slightly disappointed, but overall, it was a very enjoyable evening and we will be back again in the future.
I had: For starter I had moules mariniere with a chunk of crusty French bread. This was excellent and what I realy fancied. A huge bowl of plump mussels in a rich creamy sauce, with lots of bread to mop it up with. Fantastic. Catherine had the smoked mackeral salad with beetroot, rocket and charred potatoes, which was also very good. I managed to get a mouthful before she'd finished it.
For main course I had the confit duck, which came with Lyonnais potatoes, green beans and some form of salad leaves. The duck was cooked to perfection. Lovely cripsy skin, with just slightly pink meat and the potatoes, beans and salad worked very well too. However, I really didn't like the sauce that came with it. It was too thick, slightly jammy and didn't really compliment the meal at all. It was almost like a Chinese hoy sin sauce and didn't really go with the French theme of the dish. It was also very salty. It didn't spoil the meal, just put a bit of a dampener on it.
I also got to try some of Catherine's venison sausages with bubble and squeak and cider sauce. Really good. Incredibly meaty sausages and perfect compliments on the plate. A real cold weather dish.
For desert, I had the bakewell tart with vanilla ice cream. When this came, it looked perfect. However, there was a yellow blob on the plate. The menu said nothing of a yellow blob so I tasted it and it was a lovely dollop of lemon curd. However, why this on the plate I don't know. On it's own, it was lovely but it didn't go with the tart and the ice cream unfortunately. It just made everything taste of lemon curd. The tart and ice cream were excellent incidentally. Leave off the curd next time Mr. Chef...
Rating
Food *** Service ***** Menu **** Atmosphere ***** Wine/Drinks ****
OVERALL = ****
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82, Norwich Rd, Stoke Holy Cross, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 8QJ
Tel: 01508 492497
Smoking: No
Parking: Yes and plenty of it
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
I was really looking forward to this. This was kind of my 'official' birthday meal. My actual birthday was yesterday (see below) but because I was supposed to be in Leeds last night for a meeting we booked a table here for tonight.
My best friend and his girlfriend made a surprise trip up from Cheltenham to see me, which was lovely. I'd told them about this place a number of times so I was hoping it lived up to the hype.
I needn't have worried. The food and the wine was as excellent as always.
The service was superb, really friendly and helpful. He also helped us choose an excellent wine to go with our meal.
Unfortunately, a few things disappointed me personally. Firstly, I thought it was way too bright in there. I remember it being dimly lit, romantic and made you want to stay there for hours. I didn't feel as comfortable in there this evening. Also, the cellar door was left open and a really powerful smell of bleach or cleaning fluid wafted out. It wasn't very nice. Neither of these things spoilt the evening, it just took away from the experience a little.
I had: For starter I had the smoked haddock with emmanthal, spinach and tomato. A superb appetiser. Really smokey haddock complimented perfectly with the cheese on a layer of perfectly cooked spinach and tomato. I could've eaten this all night. Quite disappointed when I'd finished.
For main course I had an amazing piece of crispy-skinned trout on a bed of saffron risotto. Perfectly cooked fish with a beautifully creamy risotto. Surprisingly filling.
For desert I had the dark chocolate fondant with coconut sorbet and fresh raspberries. Incredible. Probably the best desert I've ever had. I was so full afterwards, but if you'd put another one of those in front of me I'd have eaten it.
Rating:
Food ***** Service ***** Atmosphere *** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL = ****1/2
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2, Warwick St, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3LD
Tel: 01603 627687
Smoking: Yes - in Mad Moose pub downstairs
Parking - No - nearest parking along Warwick Street or Unthank Road
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
My final meal before I become a married man. Yes, by the time you read this I will be married. Catherine and I decided we wanted to go somewhere special for our 'last supper' together and chose to come here. We were also with my best man Matt and his girlfriend Minnie. I really wanted to show Matt somewhere good in Norwich as he's always going on abaout how wonderful the restaurants are in Cheltenham. It didn't disappoint.
1Up has recently had a refurbishment and has changed the colours to a soft beige colour and changed all the tables and chairs. It is even more welcoming and relaxing. We were welcomed by a friendly waiter and sat at a lovely table by the window. The service tonight was excellent. Even Matt, who runs a hotel restaurant down in Cheltenham had nothing to moan about so he must have been good! Our order was promptly taken, wine and water brought to the water and poured then we were left alone until he brought each course - remembering what we all ordered. We were also given onion bread and an amuse bouche of tomato and basil soup in an espresso cup.
The atmosphere was really lovely this evening. Maybe it was because we were all a bit excited but the candles and soft music really added to our mood.
The food, as usual, was fantastic with Matt saying it was the best meal he's had outside of the oh-so-fantastic bright lights of Cheltenham. That is probably the best compliment you will ever hear.
For starter, I (and Minnie also) had the scollops with smoked duck. A strange combination you might think but it worked amazingly. It was absolutely amazing.
For main course I (and also Catherine and Matt) had the fillet of beef with oxtail. This was equally sensational and lead to Matt giving the restaurant his blessing. Wonderfully tender meat cooked to perfection with melt in the mouth oxtail to accompany it. Just fantastic.
For desert, I had the 'free-standing' creme brulee with orange sorbet. I managed to resist the panna cotta for once! It was equally good and one of the best deserts I've ever had. How the hell do you make a free-standing creme brulee? Answers on a postcard please as the chef wasn't giving his secret away!
Rating:
Food ***** Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
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9, St. Benedicts St, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4PE
Tel: 01603 765377
Smoking: No
Parking: No - Nearest parking St. Benedicts, St. Andrews or near Toys R Us/TK Maxx
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
We'd been trying to meet up with our friends Jason and Clare for weeks and at last we found a 'window' in our busy schedule. We hadn't been here in ages and really fancied giving it a go. Although we had a really nice evening, I left quite disappointed by my meal. Jason and Clare really enjoyed thier meal and will soon be adding to this review but for now, I'm afraid you have to put up with me.
We received a very nice welcome and were shown to our table and promptly offered water, which I liked.
Again, like last time I was here, it was almost empty. I think maybe the clientel of SBR is trying to tell me something. Everytime I walk passed, it's full! But like last time, I'm afraid there wasn't any atmosphere to speak of. Don't get me wrong, it is nice to have a quiet restaurant to sit in and I'm not moaning. Just an observation.
The service was excellent as usual. Very friendly, very efficient and attentative without crossing the line into 'over-friendliness'. Just a pity about my meal...
For starter I had the very exciting-sounding scallops with a potato cake and a broad bean and crispy bacon salad. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the bacon and broad beans complimented them superbly. However, I was really disappointed with the potato cake. It was more like a pancake and didn't really taste of anything or add anything to the meal. I left it on the side of the plate.
For main course I had the pan-fried sea trout on a bed of samphire with a crayfish and lobster sauce. I was really excited by this. Unfortunately, this let me down for a number of reasons. Firstly, the trout was overcooked for my liking. It had those white marks round the edge of the fish when you have cooked a fish a little bit too much - as I've done on a number of occasions. Cutting through it I came to a crispy skin at the bottom. This was annoying for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it was too crisp - almost burnt, probably the result of overcooking the fish. And, I don't want to teach the chef how to suck eggs when it comes to presentation, surely if you're going to cook fish with a crispy skin, you'd present it skin side up? The crayfish and lobster sauce was way too salty and rather spoilt the whole dish. The samphire went perfectly with it all though. It was the first time I'd had it and I'll definitely have it again.
The desert really annoyed me. It was the laziest, most unattractive and strange-tasting desert I'd ever had. The menu said strawberry tart with some kind of 'special' ice-cream. I can't remember what type it was. I had visions of a dainty little tart with a generous scoop of icecream to finish off the meal. What I got was a thin piece of pastry with a massive pile of strawberries on top and then a blob of icecream on top of that. It was the sort of thing you'd expect to see in Little Chef, not from a restaurant that had plates on the wall to indicate it had (or used to have) 2 AA stars. It was awful. The strawberries tasted like they had been defrosted and had also been cooked in something. Possibly alcohol, possibly balsamic vinegar. Whatever it was, it didn't add anything to the flavour of the dish and took away from the taste of the strawberries. I only ate a bit of it and gave the rest to the others. I'd lost my appetite.
Rating:
Food: ** Service ***** Atmosphere ** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
Overall = ***
For older reviews of St. Bendicts Restaurant, click here
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8-10, St.Andrews Hill, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1AD
Tel: 01603 767321
Smoking; Yes - at bar (at time of visit)
Parking: No - Nearest parking St. Andrews or Castle Mall
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
This had actually been arranged for us. Our friend Kammy was up from London again and she had booked a table for eight of us.
We had a really nice welcome when we arrived. It's so lovely to get a smiley, friendly person when you walk into a restaurant. It takes the 'stuffiness' out of eating out straight away and you don't feel you have to sit quietly and eat in a formal manner. Not that we could have if we'd tried anyway. We'd all had a drink or two before we got there and were a little loud and boisterous. This typifies the restaurant itself in my opinion. It is set out in a formal manner but it is a very relaxed atmosphere with very reasonable prices. Three courses for £25.00 is a fantastic deal.
We were given time to choose what we wanted at the bar and then were taken to our table, brought jugs of water and our wine was poured and set on a seperate table as not to clog up the table.
The service, as usual was excellent. Attentive, friendly but didn't overstep the mark. I think they are able to give such good service here due to the limited amount of tables and the cosiness of the seating plan.
The food, along with the wine, was excellent again. At the end of the meal, after asking if I could go to the kitchen to thank him, the chef paid us a visit and we were able to tell him what we thought of the meal personally. A lovely touch.
Also, whilst paying for my share of the bill, I got into a very passionate discussion about organic produce and not buying food from supermarkets with our waitress. She promptly pulled a bag of the sweetest tasting, juicy organic cherry tomatoes from her bag, which she gladly shared a few of with me.
Overall, a really good night with good food, good wine and even better company. We shall definitely be coming here again. If you're going out to eat in the near future, you must at least try and book a table here.
I had: For starter I had the wood pigeon on a bed of savoy cabbage and bacon. I wasn't going to have this, I was going to have the terrine from the special's board. However, I'd had terrine last week at 1Up and as good as that was, I wanted to try something different. I've had wood pigeon twice (once at the now defunct Aquarium and once at Tatler's) and hadn't been that impressed by it. I was persuaded to try it again by our waitress, who was told that I wouldn't be very happy if it wasn't any good. However, this time is was excellent. Moist, juicy, gamey bird with really smokey bacon, perfectly cooked cabbage and a lovely rich ju. A lovely appetiser and went perfectly with the small glass of merlot that I 'borrowed' from Steve's bottle. I was sharing a bottle of white but the pigeon required a drop of red to go with it.
For main I had the corn-fed chicken breast with roast potatoes, summer veg and a cream sauce. It was fantastic. I hardly ever choose chicken from a restaurant menu but tonight I really fancied it. It didn't let me down. Again, very tender meat and perfect accompaniments. It went superbly with the bottle of French Sauvignon we'd chosen too.
For desert, I yet again had panna cotta. This time it came with a roasted fruit salad. I wish I could remember which fruits but by this time I was a little tipsy! However, it was absolutely wonderful with the creaminess of the panna cotta going perfectly with the tartness of the fruit. Even though I was quite contently full, I could've eaten another one easily.
Rating:
Food ***** Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu ***** Wine / Drinks *****
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2, Warwick St, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3LD
Tel: 01603 627687
Smoking: Yes - in Mad Moose pub downstairs
Parking - No - nearest parking along Warwick Street or Unthank Road
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
Catherine graduated yesterday so I had organised this as her surprise meal - and invited a few friends along.
We were met and sat by a very pleasant chap and brought menus and water almost instantly. Again the atmosphere was perfect with the music at just the right level and all the windows open because it was so hot. Unfortunately there weren't that many people here this evening. We guessed this was due to the Lord Mayor's Procession.
The choice on the menu this evening was just amazing. I could honestly have had everything off it. A few of us had the same problem and opted to go for different things so we could try one anothers.
The service as always was excellent. It was attentive, efficient and friendly. Plates were taken at the correct speed and courses were brought out at the right times. I loved the free onion bread and the amuse bouche of tomato and herb soup to get the apetite and palate going.
I found out this evening that they do half bottles of wine. The girls wanted white wine with thier food, Jason wasn't drinking and I needed red to go with what I was eating. I was helpfully directed to the right page on the wine menu and was able to have what I wanted without having to spend too much money or fall over drunk. The Shiraz I had with my meal was absolutely superb.
We had a fantastic evening, especially the 'special girl'. We really love it here and will be returning in the near future.
I had: For starter I had the chicken liver parfait with onion marmalade and toasted brioche. It was out of this world. I really fancied this and it more than met my expectations. There was a lot of it too. It would've made someone a decent lunch!
For main I had the roasted Bressingham duck, savoy cabbage and roast potatoes. It did come with other things too but they have slipped my mind. It was perfect. Just delightful. Perfectly cooked pink duck, with crispy, almost charred, skin with exellent accompaniments.
For desert I had the panna cotta. I'm so predictable but it's just my favourite pudding. Again it was perfect. Wonderful light panna cotta with a fantastically sharp orange sorbet. The best way to finish a meal.
Rating:
Food ***** Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
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29, The Street, Honingham, Norwich, Norfolk NR9 5BL
Tel: 01603 880 393
Smoking: No
Parking: Yes - and lots of it.
Expect to pay: £20 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25(approx) a head for three courses with drinks
OK, again, it's not strictly Norwich but it's close enough. I've started to realise that you get consistently better food just outside the city than you do in it. Also, I am always being recommended places to review for this site and the vast majority of them are slightly 'out in the sticks'. If you get a chance, try somewhere out of the city for a change.
We were here for our friend Claire's 40th birthday. We were welcomed by a cheery young waitress and shown where we were sitting. I liked it here immediately. It's just a pub - but it's a really welcoming and cosy pub. It's got old chairs and tables and everything you'd expect adourning the walls - blackboards, pictures etc.
The service was excellent from our waitress and she was also very funny. One of our party had a dairy allergy and the chef actually made her her very own menu, which I thought was amazing. Speaking of the menus, I absolutely loved them. Not just the fantastic choice, but the fact that they were handwritten. What a brilliant touch.
I hadn't eaten since 11am that day and had played football and then had a few pints watching Liverpool beat Chelsea so I was absolutely ravenous when I got there. I left so full I nearly fell asleep in the car!
The only minor gripe I would have is that there isn't really any sort of atmosphere there but you don't need music any 'gimmicks' with a place like this. Can't think when I'll next be out this way again but if and when I am, I'll definitely be coming back.
I had: For starter I had the chicken liver paté with tomato relish and onion bread. Yes! This is what I really want when I come out to eat and when I'm starving. Good home cooking. Fantastically gamey paté, fruity relish and hunks of warm bread. It was really good. Didn't really see the need for the salad and the balsamic vinegar however and didn't like how it was presented - all in a pile. However that's a small moan for what was a wonderful starter.
For main course I had the horribly-named 'Surf and Turf'. Fillet steak and tempura prawns with a mustard sauce and a port jus. With this I had a salad and fries. Perfectly cooked steak and lovely juicy prawns in perfectly cooked batter. What was wrong? Neither of the sauces (or jus') really complimented the food, which was a bit of a shame. However, I still enjoyed it and cleaned my plate.
For dessert I had the homemade strawberry trifle. Why do I mention it's homemade and how do I know? It was written on the menu with a note saying 'I promise'! It was really good. I haven't had trifle in years and it was exactly what I wanted. It was absolutely gorgeous. However, it was served in a large wine glass which I have to say annoyed me a little because I couldn't get as much out at one time as I wanted because I was scared of breaking the glass! Put it in a bowl next time please.
Overall, a really satisfying night and one that was also really good value.
Rating:
Food **** Service ***** Atmosphere *** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks ***
OVERALL = ****
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30-32, Colegate, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1BG
Tel: 01603 611711
Smoking: No
Parking: No - nearest parking meter parking on Colegate or Anglia Square
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
My parents had come to stay and I wanted to take them to a really special restaurant as they had just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. I booked us in to the Merchant of Colegate and I’m so pleased I did.
The food was superb. We over indulged completely with all of us enjoying 3 courses. Three of us were tempted by the Saffron-infused tiger prawns and scallops, caramelised mango, mixed leaf salad; Paul chose the Carpaccio of beef fillet with rocket, parmesan and truffle oil.
For main course, my mum and Paul had Grilled fillet of wild sea bass with ginger, garlic, coriander, wine and butter-lime on leek & goats cheese mash, asparagus and frisee which was reported to be absolutely fantastic. I had the Norfolk free range sirloin steak, onion marmalade, portabella mushroom, pepper sauce, chips, which points to the one slight negative. As I am beginning to avoid meat, the menu didn’t offer a large meat-free selection. Despite this, I couldn’t fault it and really did enjoy it. My dad munched his way through Roasted breast of Gressingham duck with baby turnips, pak choi, fondant potato, raspberries and honey red wine jus. All round, the mains were top notch.
For desert, three of us had Coconut crème brulee with Malibu chantilly cream which was different and not what I had expected. It had a much thicker, heavier consistency but was still enjoyable and tasty. Paul really was the winner though with his Hot chocolate-rum soufflé with chantilly cream which having had just a tiny taste, if it is on the menu, I would definitely recommend.
The presentation of the food was simply immaculate. Even though it isn’t cheap it is well
worth it. The starters range from £6 to £9 and the mains range from £17 to £20.
The service was pretty good but the empty plates were not taken away for at least five to ten minutes after we had all finished (one of Paul’s pet hates). The atmosphere was superb and it is enhanced by having the kitchen on view at the end of the restaurant through a glass wall. I would say this is definitely one of the best restaurants in Norwich and sets an incredibly high standard.
Food **** Service *** Atmosphere **** Menu *** Wine/Drinks ****
OVERALL ****
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50, Earlham Rd, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3DE
Tel: 01603 624682
Smoking: Yes (at time of visit)
Parking: Yes - plenty of it
Expect to pay: £15(approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £20(approx) a head for three courses with drinks
I've never reviewed a pub before. I don't normally go out for dinner at pubs is probably the main reason. However, I got home quite late from Cambridge, where I've been doing my football coaching badge, and really wanted some comfort food. I couldn't be bothered to cook so decided to take a chance and walk to one of my local pubs to see what they had on offer. One glance at the menu here and I was in. I'd seen what I wanted.
I couldn't believe how nice it was inside - oak beams, old chairs and tables and full of people having a good time. I liked it instantly. I found a table in the corner - perfect for a lonely man who just wanted to read his book and not talk to anyone!
The service was very plesant and the food was tasty and comforting. Just what I needed. I left very full and happy.
I had: Liver and bacon casserole, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots. Comfort food. This was exactly that I wanted and needed after a week of not eating very well. It was tasty, filling and made me feel good. Not amazing, but did the job perfectly. Excellent gravy and salty bacon with just the right amount of veg. If I had to be fussy I'd say the liver was just a tad overdone, but that just added to the 'homecooked' feel of it.
Rating:
Food *** Service **** Atmosphere **** Menu ***1/2 Wine/Drinks ***
OVERALL: ***
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8-10, St.Andrews Hill, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1AD
Tel: 01603 767321
Smoking; Yes - at bar (at time of visit)
Parking: No - Nearest parking St. Andrews or Castle Mall
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
We hadn't seen our friends Kammy and Steve for a while so we decided to all go out for dinner. We hadn't tried Fizz Buzz before but I'd looked at the menu a few times and liked the look of it. I also liked the look of the decor and the log fire.
We were made to feel welcome as soon as we arrived, offered drinks at the bar (which we declined because we were starving) and then taken to our table.
We had a fantastic evening. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was just right, the service was great - they put up with us being in stupid, raucous moods all night - and the wine was superb. We all thought that £25 for 3 course was stupidly good value for money. You must pay this place a visit.
I had: For starter had the confit of duck leg on a bed of red cabbage with a port jus. Absolutely wonderful. Just the right amount of everything. The duck was cooked perfectly and melted in the mouth and the cabbage and jus complemented it well. A great appetiser.
I also got to try Catherine's goats cheese and Kammy's mussels which, although weren't as good as my starter, were also excellent.
For main course I had the pesto crusted cod fillet with fondant potato, pea compote and a tomato coulis. Although this was basically fish potatoes and peas it was wonderful. The fish just fell apart, complemented superbly by the pesto and the other accompaniments. It was a very light main course but surprisingly filling.
For dessert, I of course had the panna cotta with raspberry coulis. It's now officially my favourite pudding and this one was perfect. In my opinion, the best way to finish a meal.
Rating:
Food ***** Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu **** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL ****1/2
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68, London St, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1JT
Tel: 01603 622967
Smoking: Yes
Parking: No- Nearest car park Castle Mall
Expect to pay: £20(approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25(approx) a head for three courses with drinks
We were supposed to go to London but at the last minute decided not to. We thought we'd spend our money on going out for a meal instead. We managed to get an early table here with the idea of going to the cinema afterwards.
I really don't know what to say about tonight. Stones really confuses me. I don't know where it sits in the range of Norwich restaurants or who it aims at with regards to what it serves. What on earth are beef wellington, Thai red curry, prawn stir-fry, chicken skewers, pizzas, tapas, pork stroganoff and duck with orange all doing on the same menu??? It confuses me. It seems to be wanting to please everyone at the same time and I don't know if they can or if any restaurant can.
It all started well. We were greeted and sat on the comfy sofas by the manager as we came in and served drinks while we chose our food.
I have to say the atmosphere at Stones is always good and tonight it seemed to be very busy and bustling with people. Every table was full and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
I'm afraid to say this but the food and the service really let us down this evening. We left feeling that we hadn't really got value for money and unsure when or if we'll return.
I had: I shared the tapas with Catherine for starter. This was very good although a bit odd. I have had tapas many times but never ever had turkey with paprika. It was very nice but a bit odd. The chorizo was excellent and the battered squid was really tasty. Unfortunately, the cheese croquettes or whatever they were, were quite tasteless and a bit ordinary.
For main course, I finally got to try a beef wellington! I was really excited about this. Unfortunately it didn't live up to my dreams. I really didn't like it that much I have to say. Firstly, the beef was cooked to well done. I did think it was strange that our waitress didn't ask how I'd like it cooked, however I just thought the chef would cook it to medium or medium rare. No, the meat was grey and colorless. When I told the waitress, she said "I think that's how it's supposed to come" and didn't offer to take it away or replace it. I still ate it, and it was OK, just really disappointing. The sauce wasn't too good either and the vegetables were undercooked.
We decided not to have dessert, opting for ice-cream when we got to the cinema.
Rating:
Food ** Service * Atmosphere **** Menu *** Wine/Drinks ****
OVERALL = **1/2
For older review(s) of Stones, click here
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79, Upper St. Giles St, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1AB
Tel: 01603 633522
Smoking: No
Parking: No - Nearest car park St. Giles Street
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
My husband and I decided to go for a meal at Adlard’s before a trip to the theatre one Saturday lunchtime. From the website (www.adlards.co.uk) it looked promising: interesting seasonal menus, a talented young chef and a Michelin star. We were met by the owner on arrival. He didn’t seem to sure if he had a record of our reservation, but sat us down all the same. It was pretty quiet. Only about 4 other tables were occupied, but there was enough background chatter to create a good atmosphere. We both decided to eat off the set lunch menu (£17 for 2 courses or £21 for 3 courses) and tucked into marinated olives and (home-made) bread after ordering. While we were waiting for our starters, we were served with an ‘amuse bouche’ (small portion) of incredibly green potato and leak soup. It was delicious. Amazingly fresh tasting and light. I had ordered the carpaccio of salmon. It was a sort of modern British take on sashimi. Fantastically fresh fish with salty cubes of soy and a wasabi dressing. The dressing was a little tame but overall I really enjoyed it. My husband went for the terrine of duck confit and foie gras. It came with poached prunes, celeriac remoulade and a delicious jus, and it met with my husband’s approval. We both chosen the chicken as a main course. It was served with red onion mash, which we both found a little too salty, and carrots. The yellow corn-fed chicken was deliciously juicy with crispy skin. Needless to say, both plates were emptied and more wine was consumed. Only I could manage dessert, but I think my husband wished he’d found room when I let him try my treacle tart. It was almost the highlight for me. A moist but not soggy filling with a crisp top and wonderfully thin crisp pastry. And no uneccessary flavourings. I can still remember the taste 4 days later!
Overall, it was one of the best meals out we’ve had in a very long time. It was wonderful to go somewhere so friendly and unpretentious that serves such high-quality food. Adlard’s really isn’t the place to nip in for a quick meal. Be prepared to spend most of the evening there if you go at night and allow 2-3 hours for wine-fuelled lunch – but isn’t that what eating out is all about?
Rating:
Food ***** Service **** Atmosphere **** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL ****1/2
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Mill Rd, Stoke Holy Cross, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 8PA
Tel: 01508 493337
Smoking: Yes - in bar (at time of visit)
Parking - Yes and plenty of it
Expect to pay: £20(approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25(approx) a head for three courses with drinks
My 50th Review! Catherine, Claire, Jason and myself chose to come here for our 'Christmas Meal'. Last year we'd had a particularly good night so decided to try and do the same again.
Oh deah. Oh deah oh deah oh deah. This was quite possibly the worst dining experience of the year and maybe ever.
I have to say that I am partly to blame. I thought because this restaurant was in Stoke Holy Cross, it would in some way be similar to The Wildebeest. How wrong I was!
From the minute we walked in, we knew it was going to be bad. It was like a throwback to the 70's/early 80's. I felt like I was 9 years old again and my parents were taking me out. The decor, furniture, paint on the walls and the staff probably hadn't been changed in that time either.
There wasn't an atmosphere to speak of. It was a bit like walking into a village hall.
The service was nice enough, even though we booked the table for 7.45 but were left sitting in the bar looking at (plastic) menus for almost an hour. It was if they were serving one table at a time and we were sitting in a waiting room as we were being called through one by one.
The food, well actually my food, was rubbish. The girls said theirs was very nice. Unfortunately, they're not writing this review, I am. Needless to say I won't be coming back here in a hurry.
I had: For starter I had the 'homemade' pate. It definitely wasn't homemade even though it was quite nice. I hate to moan but it was presented like it was in the 70's - with jaggedy edged tomotoes and cucumber, iceberg lettuce and toast made from cheap white bread. Not great.
For main I had the fillet of steak with some kind of tomatoey sauce. On my plate, the very friendly manager then piled on loads of fried potatoes, carrots and brocolli. It didn't look very good. And it wasn't. The beef was cooked to well done. What a waste of a fantastic piece of meat. The manager then had the cheek to tell me that he thought that he may have given my steak to someone else! And that he really enjoyed it! Well, that's OK then...
For dessert I shared some profiteroles but by now I just wanted to go home. They we were profiteroles is about all I can say about them. And they probably came out of the freezer.
Rating:
Food * Service ** Menu ** Atmosphere * Wine/Drinks **
OVERALL = *1/2
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70-76, St. Georges St, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1AB
Tel: 01603 626626
Smoking: Yes - in Bar (at time of visit)
Parking: No - Meter parking on Colegate Street or Car Park in Anglia Square
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
A new entry on the website! We (Catherine, Claire, Jason and I) had wanted to go here for ages. We'd all had lunch here at different times but never had dinner.
We managed to get a table at 7.30. We were here to celebrate me getting my new job and to have a good night.
We were greeted by a very plesant lady at the table and led to our table in the 'posh' restaurant bit. We were expecting to eat in the bar so it was a nice surprise. We loved it in there. It had a lovely atmosphere, with the music at just the right level, the seats were comfy, the decor was lovely, it was spacious and we felt very much at home.
Although I thought the menu was a little 'ordinary', everything on it was appealing and the food was excellent.
The service was out of this world. If I could give her six stars I would. She was so down to earth and jolly. I jokingly asked for a mug of tea and some biscuits after we'd had desserts and this duly arrived with three digestives on a dish adourned with a doily.
Overall, one of, if not the, best nights we've had out together. You must pay The Last Wine Bar a visit.
I had: For starter I had the selection of mushrooms with a cream sauce in a puff pastry case. Absolutely wonderful. Really tasty and also went perfectly with the shiraz we'd ordered.
For main course, along with Claire and Jason, I had the sirloin steak with brandy pepper sauce. Instead of the mash, we all had fries. We also shared some sides of griddled courgettes and green beans. It was by far the best steak I've had this year and I don't normally like sirloin. Absolutely spot on.
For dessert, along with my tea and biscuits, I had the vanilla cheesecake with caramel sauce. A huge slab of cheesecake with a perfectly balanced sauce. It could easily have been too sweet but it was perfect. A perfect finish to the meal.
Rating:
Food ***** Service ***** Menu *** Atmosphere ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL ****1/2
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For older review(s) of St. Benedict's Restaurant, click here
46, Yarmouth Rd, Norwich, Norfolk NR7 0HE
Tel: 01603 435403
Smoking: Yes - designated areas (at time of visit)
Parking: Yes - and plenty of it
Expect to pay: £15-20(approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £20-25(approx) a head for three courses with drinks
Catherine leaves for Australia in less than a week (don't worry, I'm joining her in 3 weeks!) and Jason and Claire wanted to come out with us for a few drinks and a meal to see her off. They'd been here recently and said it was excellent. Jason also told me they did a fantastic beef wellington, something I'd wanted to try for ages and really fancied.
Unfortunately, they didn't have beef wellington on the special's board tonight so I had to settle for something a bit less exciting.
Coincidentally, we had been at a friend's house in Northampton over the weekend and had Sunday lunch in a pub with exactly the same menu AND specials on the board. The Rushcutter's is obviously part of a chain, which kind of put me off a little.
However, it is a really nice, friendly family-oriented place with good food and a lively atmosphere. I can't remember if there was any music but there was a real buzz of conversation, laughter, the odd baby crying and staff flitting about to serve you.
Quite a few people had to sit outside as it was so full. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Although I was a little uncomfortable ordering from the same menu twice in the same day, I really enjoyed the evening. We all left very full and very happy.
I had: For starter I had the prawn cocktail. I really fancied this. It wasn't out of this world but it was exactly what I wanted and it did the job well.
For main course, I had the duck breast with rissoulet potatoes, veg and a cherry sauce from the specials board. Normally I wouldn't have this because I've gone off duck at the moment but this was good. The duck was cooked lovely and pink and the accompaniments suited it very well. Again, not amazing but it hit the spot.
For dessert, Catherine and I shared the treacle sponge and custard. Not sure if this was homemade or not, but it was warm, stodgy, homely and filling.
Rating:
Food *** Atmosphere **** Service *** Menu *** Wine/Drinks ****
OVERALL = ***1/2
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5, Ipswich Rd, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 2LJ
Tel: 01603 773227
Smoking: Strictly no
Parking: Yes - On Ipswich Road
Expect to pay: Depends on which evening you go. Between £20 and £35 a head depending on how many courses you have
I'd been looking forward to this for days. I'd also been trying to get a table for this evening for months. The 'Gourmet' night - 5 courses cooked by the third year students. As it was their final week at college, we were expecting great things.
It didn't disappoint. From the welcome when we entered (by a very nervous but polite young lady) to the food through to the visit to our table from the chef at the end it was superb. I liked the big TV screen on the wall that enabaled us to see what was happening in the kitchen and watch the chefs at work.
The service, as you would expect, was excellent. We loved the way we were told what we were eating before each course and regularly asked if everything was ok. We especially enjoyed the 'freebies' we were given throughout the meal.
We left very happy and will definitely be returning next term. There is no better value in Norwich for £25. Fantastic.
I had: When we arrived we were given a 'cocktail' of ginger beer and fruit juice and a tray of canapes. These were lovely little appetisers of mini sausage rolls, mini cheese straws, a tiny pieces of melba toast with either lamb or tapenade on top.
After we were sat at our table and our order was taken we were brought a 'cup' of borche - a warm soup made from beetroot and chicken stock. Very homely and warming and we all enjoyed it. It also got our appetites going.
For starter I ordered the cappaccio of salmon - a fillet of salmon seared on all sides and then thinly sliced - on a bed of mixed vegetables with a dill and tarragon dressing. Excellent. A perfect starter. Light and tasty and lots of flavours going on. I could've eaten a huge plate full.
We were then each brought a dish of scallops on a bed of rocket with an onion sauce and a pea sauce. Fantastic. Luckily, the girls don't like scallops so Jason and I got to eat extra.
To cleanse our pallets, we were then brought a small glass of lime and celery sorbet. A strange combination you may think, but it worked.
For main course I had the monkfish wrapped in parma ham with creamed mashed potatoes and savoy cabbage (with a thin sauce or ju of some description but I've completely forgotten). This was very good but a little luke warm for my liking. I was a little disappointed by this but still enjoyed it.
For dessert, we all opted for black forest roulade with cherry sauce and cherry ice-cream. Absolutely wonderful and a great way to finish the meal.
As if we hadn't had enough already, we were then brought coffees and petit-fours to completely finish us off.
Rating:
Food ****1/2 Service ***** Atmosphere *** Menu ****1/2 Wine/Drinks ***
OVERALL ****
For older review(s) of Debut, click here
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82, Norwich Rd, Stoke Holy Cross, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 8QJ
Tel: 01508 492497
Smoking: Yes - designated area (at time of visit)
Parking: Yes and plenty of it
Expect to pay: £20-25 (approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25-30 (approx) a head for three courses with drinks
Ok, I know this isn't strictly in Norwich but a food guide on this area that doesn't include The Wildebeeste isn't really worth looking at.
Today was our third anniversary and we fancied going somewhere a bit special to celebrate. There aren't many places round here more special than The Wildebeeste. We'd been here three times before but not since I started this site.
The ambience is always fantastic, the staff always happy and ready to help, the lighting was dimmed down just right, and I love the wine list. The food was fantastic as always.
We had a lovely romantic evening and left very happy indeed.
I had: For starter I had a confit of duck leg on a bed of salad, parsnips with a port jus. Absolutely incredible. The duck just fell apart and the accompniments complimented the duck superbly.
For main course, I had the loin of lamb. Absolutely wonderful. Lamb cooked really pink and juicy. I just wish I could remember what it came with. Too much wine!
For dessert we shared the honey rice pudding with raspberry sorbet. Sensational. Maybe the best dessert I've ever had. Just the right balance of sweet and sharpness. It was also quite light which was really good after such a rich meal.
Rating:
Food ***** Service ***** Atmosphere ***** Menu ***** Wine/Drinks *****
OVERALL = *****
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2-6, Earlham Rd, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3DB
Tel: 01603 621167
Smoking: Yes - in bar (at time we visited)
Parking: Yes and plenty of it
Expect to pay: £20(approx) a head for two courses with drinks and £25(approx) a head for three courses with drinks
It's Catherine's birthday today! We fancied going out for a quiet meal, just the two of us. We'd heard good reports of this place and we'd looked at the menu a few times whilst passing and liked the look of it.
Again, we took our Spree book for a walk. we were sat in the bar and given the food menu along with an almost encycolopedic wine menu to choose from. As you would expect from a hotel restaurant, it was very quiet and quite formal with little or no atmosphere. However, this added to its charm and was actualy quiet nice for a change.
The service was very professional, polite and attentive.
Overall, we had a good night and Catherine had a very nice birthday.
I had: King prawns in a pastry case with a watercress salad. This was excellent. Like a giant posh vol-au-vent. Excellent puff pastry, succulent prawns and the watercress complemented it perfectly.
For main course I had the beef fillet with a field mushroom, potatoes and roast tomatoes. It also came with a lovely bowl of steaming vegetables to share. The steak was absolutely amazing. A big thick wedge of beef cooked perfectly - black on the outside and deep red on the inside - and it tasted fantastic. It needed a sauce - either garlic butter, stilton or pepper - but the tomatoes kind of made up for this.
For dessert, I had a sensational steamed chocolate pudding with cream. It was like my grandmother used to make. And there's nothing like the taste and feel of hot chocolate pudding with cold cream. A great finish to any meal.
Rating:
Food ****1/2 Service ***** Atmosphere * Menu ***1/2 Wine/Drinks ****
OVERALL = ***1/2
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