The evening food menu is divided into four sections; bar bites to nibble on while you wait, plant based and non-plant based small plates and sides, with four or five options in each. I always find it hard to choose, especially when everything on the menu looks so incredibly tempting so I am relieved when my companion takes charge and asks our chef to just bring us a selection of his favourite dishes. Even more so when he insists on paying! We begin with Pumpkin Hummus and Flatbread from the bar-bites and after our first bites we both know we are in for a treat this evening! The velvety hummus pumpkin flavour is really brought out by subtle spices and fresh chillis add a satisfying kick. It is the seeded flatbread that steals the show however, with its freshness so apparent that we both simultaneously ask if it is made on site. It is, daily, and it is wonderfully light and packed full of seeds giving it a lovely full flavour. Next up the chef decides to present us with a special that was not due to go up on the board till the following day. Roasted Scallop with Romesco, Kale and Dukkha. It really is incredible. The delicate sweet buttery flavour of the meat is drawn really drawn to the forefront by an ever-so slightly bitter sauce with tiny specks of crisp Kale adding an extra element to this incredibly well thought out dish. No wonder the chef could not wait to show it off. The next plate of food really stood out to me and might even be my favourite of the evening, which is surprising as it is one I would never have picked from the menu myself! Miso Roasted Cabbage, with pumpkin and tahini, red onion pickle, peanuts and black sesame. If I was blindfolded, I simply would not have been able to guess I was eating cabbage! This dish had such a plethora of exciting flavours, all working harmoniously whilst exciting every part of my palate and a wonderful meaty texture to boot. Words cannot describe just how good this dish is so I will just say you simply must try it when you visit. Divine.
ABSOLUTE
85