Before our meal we decided to sample one or two drinks in the Tempus Bar. The bar offered an impressive selection of aperitifs and was designed with tradition in mind. Ornate and lined with wood panelled walls, the room was well lit and furnished with sophisticated leather chairs. The atmosphere matched the elegant design and was very relaxing, perfect for a comfortable pre-dinner drink.
Following our drinks we moved into the Tempus Restaurant. The restaurant was equally impressive, featuring a marble-walled area and the original chandeliers. We were immediately greeted by our waitress who was very eager to advise us on the menu. Her passion and energy was clear and a credit to the hotel; a great way to begin our meal.
“Each course was served quickly and efficiently.”
For my starter I chose a vegetarian option of Wensleydale and scallion croquettes with tomato Devil’s jam. This was a delicious start to my meal and the ingredients clearly very fresh and delicious. My guest ordered a starter of smoked haddock tartlet with leek. Very simple, the delicious ingredients shone through and it was beautifully accompanied by a bottle of Argento Seleccion Melbec, which was recommended by our waitress.
For my main course I chose to enjoy butternut squash with chick pea masala, onion bhaji and poori. Our waitress informed me that there was a chef within the team who had a background in Indian cooking, which was very clear in this wonderful dish. This main course was not too hot and was a tasty fusion of aromatic spices and vegetables. The onion bhaji and poori were particularly light and were the perfect addition to the dish.
My guest enjoyed a main course of slow braised featherblade of beef, which was also recommended by our waitress. The dish was beautiful, with the time consuming preparation of the beef very evident in the melt in the mouth flavours; the perfect recommendation.
Each course was served quickly and efficiently and we managed to squeeze in a shared dessert to finish the meal. We chose the pear and apple frangipane served with custard and we weren’t disappointed. Truly delicious, the dessert was the perfect end to our delicious meal.
The Bill: £57 per head
