Food Update
The Kings Head Brasserie is still receiving considerable interest after being reborn on the high street from those curious about how it has changed and also how Raymond Blanc’s brand has been stamped upon it.
The layout has definitely changed for the better – with a bar at the front of the building leading into a large central dining area. A busy and lively atmosphere greets you as you are seated and the decor is comfortable with subtle and warm lighting. If you are sat near the grill, you might see the finishing touches being put to your dishes before they arrive!
The ‘Dine with Wine’ menu – available up to 7pm every day and £12.95 for two courses, £15.40 for three, both with glass of wine included. On Sundays there is also a ‘Sirloin with Wine’ too. This menu does change every now and then and at the time the cauliflower and parmesan soup and potted hot salmon starts went down very well indeed – great winter warmers.
For main the infamous slow braised beef with horseradish mash was exceedingly tender to the point of melting in your mouth and accompanied by a side-dish of richly buttered beetroot. Desserts included a rich steamed chocolate pudding and a decent Creme Brulee.
At the brasserie, food is delivered promptly to your table but take your time to enjoy it – the full menu contains some great meat and fish dishes with a French twist. The front bar regularly shows sports events on their pop-up TV (including 6 Nations matches) and if you are a quiz fan and want to combine this thirst for knowledge with your passion for food then the Monday quiz nights might interest you.
As this part of the Raymond Blanc’s restaurant group is new, staff are always keen to help improve customer’s experience with feedback so don’t forget to fill out the comments/ratings card. Any comments or complains are logged in a book and discussed with waiting and kitchen staff at regular meetings.
Fans of full-English breakfasts and other treats from Diners Delight will be proud to know that this year they will be celebrating 20 years of there being a cafe on this spot! Details of the celebrations to follow! The Bloated Mallard has recently updated its dining menu that continues to delight those eating at this ever-popular venue.
Shambles has recently started opening earlier each day for brunch (from 10am) that includes coffee and cakes to help you start the day on the right foot. They also have a special Valentines menu that includes lobster cocktail, swordfish steak – all with piano-accompaniment that will add to the already romantic ambience.
If you want special treatment with your Valentines meal then look no further than Scarpetta. Their special menu includes heart-shaped ravioli filled with lobster, pan-fried veal and wild strawberry pannacotta with strawberry coulis. Chefs have been gearing up for the romantic evening by adding a touch of romantic with roses constructed from chocolate sauce and strawberries to accompany the now-famous and utterly dreamy chocolate fondant & pistacchio ice cream.
If you prefer a fine Á La Carte menu on Monday then Al Borgo might be more your bag – for the evening owners be adding to its usual warm and intimate ambience with candle-lit tables to provide the perfect place for treating that special person in your life to a romantic evening out and some of the finest Italian food in the area.
Retro’s menu includes smoked salmon, crayfish tails, rack of lamb and white & dark chocolate mousse. The Wharf have a four-course dinner on the Monday and Sammy’s is offering an American twist on the theme from the 12th to the 14th that includes a Lovers Potion (vodka & tropical fruit with Maraschino cherry).
