As it was a bright but chilly day on saturday I decided to treat my lovely wife to a proper lunch out. We had previously dined very well at "Wild Honey" so I was really keen to try it's sister restaurant Arbutus. We booked our table without issue the same day and wandered in for lunch. The look of the restaurant is more contemporary than "Wild Honey" but there was a nice hubub on entering and numerous diners seemed to be having a fun time. We were shown to a table in the main room which was certainly nicer than the back corridor.
Though hungry we were mindful of our efforts to keep the weight off so we straight for mains hoping to leave room for some desert. We decided to share that day's special of black leg chicken with risotto which is a perfect dish for a couple. It was lovely, succulent soft chicken breast, leg and wing accompanied by a seriously tasty risotto. Simple yet elegant and beyond what I could manage at home. I washed this down with a lovely deep Syrah that they recommended.
After such a nice main we felt we need to see what dessert offered. Again we shared the house tarte tatin which was sublime the best I have ever had. They bought us a whole tart in the pan, covered in perfect caramel and made from succulent english apples. Again the emphasis was a great tasting food rather than clever combinations. I washed this down with a lovely recetto. This was a very nice lunch indeed.
I was very impressed with Arbutus, the food was top notch like "Wild Honey". It was good to see that they could put as much effort into the classics as the more adventurous dishes. The bill was £110 for two which was going some for lunch of two courses and with only myself drinking. However we did really enjoy it and the restaurant had a nice relaxed atmosphere, helped by some relaxed but confident service. I'd say I prefer the decor in "Wild Honey" but the food here was top draw! Well worth visiting for a treat.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
We went back here last year on a top table deal and it really wasn't as good. I think the room is looking a bit tired now and they cram too many punters in.