The Hobgoblin - Gloucester Road, Bristol

Forgive me for stating the obvious but The Hobgoblin is a typical Gloucester Road-based establishment; complete with a ‘local pub for local people’ ambiance (a largely student-centred clientèle) and an acceptable level of grunginess that seems almost integral to what we’ve come to recognise as BS7’s eclectic vibe. Besides all the usual attributes, this pub's strength is its cuisine which was unsurprisingly the factor which brought its whereabouts to my attention – I mean, it’s rather a long shot from my last review given that it's seriously lacking in the dainty department and yet as an alternative, its fare constitutes that glorious three-point comfort food ensemble: Meat, cheese and carbs. Modest eaters need not apply, step aside...I’m going in!!

Date and Time: Saturday 18 May 2013, 19:00

Name of Establishment: The Hobgoblin (a.k.a. The Hob)*

Location: 69 - 71 Gloucester Road, Bristol

Reason for visit: Erm…Meat, cheese and carbs!

With an assortment of furniture; solid table-tops and bar stools intended for dining and squashy sofas for serious slomping, this is a laid back watering hole in which to kick back for a couple hours; a homely space providing respite from the hustle and bustle of the Gloucester Road strip. It’s both people-friendly and animal-friendly; the latter meaning that a little interaction with the resident doglettes may become part and parcel of your visit – this, in addition to helpful service and value-for-money makes for an amicable ambiance - you may suggest counteracting the pub's minimalistic décor and shabby-looking toilets which really do appear to have seen better days...!

The menu is made up of a range of Tex-Mex style burgers and sandwiches; with portion sizes to satisfy the...erm, generous appetite. The BBQ’d brisket sandwich (£7.45), made with home-made blue cheese coleslaw and the ‘Goober Burger’ (£7.95) - featuring bacon, a fried egg and peanut butter (yes, really) - particularly caught my eye; the combination of some of my favourite foodstuffs playing on both my will-power and when it came to the latter, my curiosity! The star of the show is undoubtedly the ‘Kraken Burger’ (£25) which, simply speaking, comprises a grotesque amount of food, I quote; ‘a triple bypass burger (that's 21 ounces of beef, people...), plus a portion of dirty, dirty fries, 12 chicken wings, coleslaw, pickles and a variety of sauces’ – phew! This is to be eaten within 45 minutes in order to claim your dinner (enough to keep you going for the next week I’d imagine) free of charge, plus a celebratory t-shirt and the honour of having your name inscribed on the hallowed wall of fame! Only one gutsy individual has achieved this to date; thus it's clearly a force to be reckoned with!

The girls and I shared the dirty dirty fries (£7.45) which were in fact, really really good. Teetering above its platter-style base, this sizeable feast had been fused into a peak with melted cheese (both regular cheddar and blue) and contained an ample quantity of succulently smoky pulled pork. Finished with a drizzle of home-made coriander mayo, it's fair to say that cheesy chips will never be the same again! That said, sharing is clearly the way forward here; the chow-down that ensued slowing progressively as the carb-hit took hold! In light of this, dessert was out of the question; though I have on good authority that the Oreo and Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie is altogether uh-mazing – remind me to sport an elasticated waistband next time...! When it came to liquid refreshment, we identified all the usual suspects and at prices that wouldn't break the bank – thus, the Sauvignon Blanc that the girls and I chose came in at a mere £10.75 a bottle; proving an adequate accompaniment to our edibles. Whilst we're on the subject of affordability, it was noted that the student population are appropriately accommodated; those with a valid NUS card able to bag a cheeseburger, plus fries and a pint for just £6 on a Wednesday.

I like that the fare is somewhat reminiscent of 'Epic Meal Time' and that although we're undoubtedly talking purpose-built wow-factor, this is not to the detriment of the overall tastiness, nor the quality of the ingredients which really have been thoughtfully sourced and prepared; with produce from nearby allotments, bread from The Bread Store and meat bought-in from the local butcher shop. The pulled pork is smoked in-house for up to 24 hours in an authentic Webber Smoky Mountain BBQ which is no doubt testament to its appeal. It's fair to say that you're not going to be hungry for 24-hours after the gastonomical feast that awaits you and you'll either kill it in the gym the next day (like yours truly) or lie for some time with your stomach on a cushion like Brian Butterfield after treat day (in the style of my very honest dining companion) but it really is worth the necessity for recovery; this isn't epic meal time, this is simply epic!

And now for the second opinion...

My dining companion gave The Hobgoblin a rating of 8/10 and in three words, summed up her experience with: 'Meat. Fries. Happiness'.

References:

*https://www.facebook.com/Hobgoblin.bristol

In the wake of Tea and Cake: A heartfelt goodbye to the Lahloo Pantry and Swinky Sweets

It is a sad, sad day when you learn that another of your regular haunts is shutting up shop – sad to the extent that I felt compelled to document my sorrow in an altogether mournful (yet fondly reminiscent) manner. For, less than a week after the announcement that Clifton's Lahloo Pantry has had to admit defeat in the face of the increasingly troublesome financial climate, the genius behind Swinky Sweets informed his loyal Facebook following that he had decided to up-sticks and re-locate in the 'big smoke'...seriously, you turn your back for all but 2 minutes (well a week actually) and disaster strikes ...!

Lahloo Pantry: Once it's scone, it's scone!

I have many memories of each establishment and it's fair to say that both have featured, rather heavily in fact, upon recommending Bristol's finest to those who ask me for details of the city's not-so-hidden hot-spots. I'd been known to visit the Lahloo Pantry for a spot of brunch; the Keen's cheddar scone with crème fraîche and sweet chilli jam proving a particular favourite – and then pop into 'Swinky's' on route to the centre for a cupcake to go (and perhaps a scrumble or two as an amply boozy chaser...) It had also become customary to source my birthday cake from Mr Swinky's kitchen – testament to the fact that my very first experience was love at first bite; ah, the Cadbury's Cream Egg cupcake - which quite incidentally, is now the star of my work-place desktop – will provoke what can only be described as a pilgrimage towards our cosmopolitan capital in search of this seasonal sweetness.

Not just for Easter...

Back to Bristol and yes there will be other cafés, new-found favourites even but those which have enhanced the city's café culture (however momentary) will not be forgotten. That said, if you find yourself in need, there is always the Lahloo online store and the plethora of reputable outlets that stock Kate Gover's fantastic range of loose-leaf teas. Meanwhile, Mr Swinky (a.k.a. The lovely Gareth) has promised to keep us up-to-date with news of his move which will no doubt amount to resounding success; London: 1, Bristol: Nil! I wish Lahloo, Swinky Sweets and the individuals behind them the very best of luck in the future; 'Life is Sweet' but it's unquestionably sweeter with a red velvet cupcake in-hand or a hearty mug of 'Bristol Brew'!

Happy Birthday to Me...Oh, wait...!

 

References:

http://www.swinkysweets.co.uk/ or follow at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Swinky-Sweets/324552703737 or Tweet: @SwinkySweets

http://www.lahlootea.co.uk/ or follow at: https://www.facebook.com/LahlooTea or Tweet: @LahlooTea

Cordial and Grace – The Mall, Clifton Village

My first encounter with Cordial and Grace was almost a year ago when a group of Bristol's bloggers/cupcake enthusiasts joined forces to establish Clifton's Cake Crawl. Since then, my visits have been a little sporadic, though in the last Month or so, I've visited on three separate occasions - twice with a Living Social voucher in-hand - entitling its holder to 'Clifton Tea for Two' – and once to dine at the recently inaugurated B&G Supper Club – each experience as friendly and gastronomically pleasing as that which preceded it. 

Date and Time: February/March 2013 (Clifton Tea for Two: 13th February and 13th March, Supper Club: 2nd March) 

Name of Establishment: Cordial and Grace* 
Location: 9 The Mall, Clifton Village 
Reason for Visit: Predominantly to indulge in cake, if I'm honest...

Cordial and Grace is underpinned with a tag-line encompassing its three strengths 'Sew, Tea, Cake' – the first reflecting the downstairs work-space which is decked out with sewing machines and crafts, the second lending to the wide selection of loose-leaf teas that are available to accompany the latter; the home-baked treats which, often fresh from the oven, are the highlight of any visit...at least on my part! In light of this, let me first talk to the Clifton Tea for Two (normally £7.95 per person) which constitutes a tasting plate of three bite-sized desserts or cakes and a glass of distinctively crisp prosecco. Here, I've sampled the likes of hand-made meringue with chocolate orange ganache (blasphemously good), coconut cake (moist and moreish), mini Victoria sponge (oh-so-dainty) and salted caramel brownies (gooey chocolate flecked with the sweet-salt hit of my very favourite confectionery); all the while relishing the café’s sunny disposition whereby bright colours have been blocked against each other and an almost shabby chic theme, complete with decorative bunting and hand-stitched scatter cushions, showcases a range of the handiwork from the space below deck.

Clifton Tea for Two - beautifully presented and quite frankly delicious!

Besides cake, Cordial and Grace offer Brunch and savoury bites (well hello there Rarebit Crumpets!) – it's also the home of the new-found supper club, 'Belle and Grant at number 9' (or B&G for short)*. This is an affordable Monthly pop-up dining experience held on the premises where, for a mere £20, the Best Foodie Friend (BFF) and I bagged three amazing courses featuring an excellently-executed confit duck leg which was served alongside hazelnut and duck mousse toasts as well as puy lentils and a tasty salsa verde. A a trio of chocolate desserts followed which included a super-sticky home-made honeycomb that just melted in the mouth. Next month's menu (scheduled for 10th and11th May) is £27.50 for four courses which, given its French theme and tempting 'fromage' course, really is fantastically priced; especially as I can vouch for the quality of the cuisine and the passion which is clearly applied to each and every dish that emerges from the kitchen.

Trio of Chocolate - oh that honeycomb!

Cordial and Grace really is a jewel in the crown of Clifton's café culture – its USP and independent status really sets it aside from its competitors and its cheerful décor and friendly disposition seals the deal once you've succumbed to the candy-coloured embrace of your surroundings and you've taken your first mouthful of something marvellous! If you're like me – a self-confessed cupcake glutton – this will undoubtedly make your 'coveted cafés' short-list and if you're after a brew for the discerning tea-leaf seeker, gluten-free options, an evening of exclusive dining or somewhere to make pom-pom pets with your brood (delete as applicable) it will do just fine...scrap that...fine just doesn't even come close! Many thanks to Maria and Belle – I'll see you again soon!

 

And now for the second opinion...
The BFF gave Cordial and Grace a rating of 9/10 and in three words, summed up her experience as; 'sweetness and bright'...

References: 

* http://www.cordial-and-grace.co.uk/ 

* https://www.facebook.com/BelleGrantAt9 / http://belleandgrant.wix.com/bandg9

Casa Mexicana - Zetland Road, Bristol

When London-based Bestie,'HL' decided to endorse her birthday celebrations with a jaunt to the West Country, it was up to me to determine an appropriate venue for fourteen of its coveted inhabitants to assemble for dinner and drinks. For me, nothing says party time like a little spice and the odd tequila slammer so where better than Bristol's much-loved Mexican, Casa Mexicana. A intimately-arranged eatery with oodles of character...

Date and Time: Sunday 3^rd March 2013, 7:30pm

Name of Establishment: Casa Mexicana*

Location: 31 Zetland Road, Bristol

Reason for Visit: Sharing the city's favourite Mexican with my favourite Bristolians...!

In short, Casa Mexicana is an absolute joy – vibrant yet cosy and traditional yet tactfully quirky; the latter seemingly fitting given that it's a stone’s throw away from the eclectic buzz of the Gloucester Road strip. Diners are greeted warmly, the friendly ambiance enhanced with soft candlelight, an upbeat soundtrack and a theme which has been subtly integrated into the overall character of the space rather than over-done in a stereotypically sombrero-clad cheese-fest. It's fair to say that I’m certainly not alone in my praise for this eatery given that the National Press have been quick to celebrate Casa's success; the Guardian placing it within the top five Mexican restaurants in the country and The Independent deeming it worthy to feature not once but twice as the ‘best Mexican Restaurant’ in the Sunday Times' supplement – all this within a 27-year-long innings; a time in which it has secured a keen following of devoted regulars and their keen convertees. 

Back to the evening at hand and despite the fact that we constituted a rather sizeable gathering, it was duly noted that the service was not to its detriment which can often be the case elsewhere. Quite the contrary in fact as chatty, efficient service ensued, setting the bar for the duration of the evening whereby nothing appeared too much trouble and a reassuring sense of pride lent itself to both the menu's content and the dishes that transpired, (which, incidentally, were piping hot and delivered in a timely fashion). On this occasion, no one opted for starters, which was met with a touch of relief in the face of the main event given that dishes had been liberally plated to say the least; my beast of a Chimichanga (£12.95) had been munificently stuffed with smoky-tasting chicken, peppers and cheese, deep fried in a large flour tortilla and topped with freshly-made salsa and cool sour cream. This could have so easily been a car crash of varying tastes and textures, not to mention a visual monstrosity, but had been neatly packaged; its three amigos of seasoned rice, refined beans and rocket salad proving suitably portioned as tasty accompaniments. Others were equally complimentary; the Puchero de Cordero (£13.95) – slowly braised lamb shank with chorizo and pasilla chilli – especially well-received with top marks for its ample-execution and melt-in-the-mouth disposition. 

Chimichanga - be honest, it's even fun to say!

The hard-core amongst us managed dessert, most opting to share and wisely so given that the food babies had, by this stage, exceeded foetal status! I settled upon The Tarta de Chocolate (£4.95) as my weapon of choice which was positively death by chocolate (though let's be fair, what a way to go!) If truth be told this was a touch too heavy to follow abundant plates of Mexican tucker – though the viscous mound of Chocolate and Vanilla Brownie Cheesecake, that had been lovingly drizzled with Coffee Bean Sauce and coupled with a dollop of good-quality vanilla ice cream – was deliciously decadent to say the least! The Montezuma Mess (also £4.95) was an arguably safer option; comprising a light ensemble of crushed meringue, fresh passion-fruit, mascarpone cream, orange and lime glaze – its recipients describing it as ‘refreshing’ and a ‘welcome palate cleanser’.

To wash it all down, it was unanimously decided that a cocktail or two were in order and as Casa have an abundant selection, it would have been difficult to resist especially as The Green Iguana combined my favourite tipples; José Cuervo, Midori, Cointreau and sours which had been muddled on the rocks with addictively pungent appeal. Another favourite was the Casa Rinha; a twist on the classic Caipirinha, containing Brazilian cane rum, lime, sugar syrup and lemonade. A healthy selection of wines, bottled beers and spirits complete the bill and most importantly, four different tequilas – from which the birthday girl chose to indulge in a shot of José Cuervo Gold (or 'ora' for those in the know) which is served with cinnamon dust and a slice of orange as opposed to the usual salt and lemon chaser – TEQUILAAAAAA! 

The Green Iguana - hic!

In the danger of submitting an imbalanced review, there is very little to grumble about when it comes to an evening at Casa Mexicana; its menu focuses on traditional South American cuisine which is fairly priced, generously portioned and served with a smile. The space itself is humble and comfortable, though tastefully arranged with a respectable buzz which intensifies as the evening progresses and the tequila flows. Hence, this is an eatery in which the cuisine speaks for itself, it’s neither showy nor gimmicky...simply, good honest food which, just as their website suggests, really is the real enchilada!

And now for the second opinion… 

‘HL’ gave Casa Mexicana a rating of 8/10 and in three words described it as, 'yummy yet heavy'. 

References:

* http://casamexicana.co.uk/ 

Cocktail of the Month – February 2013

Spending the first half of this Month somewhat incapacitated with a full scale bout of the lurgy, meant that alcohol consumption was largely off the cards. In fact, it wasn't until last weekend's jaunt to the Big Smoke that I was able to determine this Month's top tipple; a discovery which marked the rather glorious come-back of the art of a good old knees-up! And so, derived from Soho's trendy 'Archer Street' - an après-ski style bar attracting an exclusive clientèle within the heart of the City's central pizzaz - behold...

.... the 'Fred and Ginger'
Which can be found at…Archer Street*
Which contains…Miller’s Gin and ginger liqueur shaken with lychee juice, ginger syrup and fresh lemon juice...balanced with dash of angostura bitters
Which will set you back…£10.50 (which may well warrant that sharp intake of breath for us Bristolians; but is decidedly average given London's affluent drinking scene)

Someone once told me that the basis of any great cocktail is good quality gin; a notion which Archer Street's Fred and Ginger seemed altogether in favour of. Served in an over-sized martini glass; this contemporary fusion was subtly spiced and suitably decadent; its oriental attributes channelled through an intricate contrast of burnt-sugar style sweetness and the bite of citrus...Flavours which came through in bursts which, just as its name suggests, simply danced on the palate.

Don't fancy immersing yourself in the madness of the metropolis? Perhaps a spot of drinkable DIY is in order...Though I have a feeling that the cost of sourcing the ingredients required for this particular cocktail would be greater than a trip to the venue itself! Thus, if you do happen to be frequenting the watering holes of our classy capital, move Archer Street to the top of your to-do list!

References: 
*http://archerstreet.co.uk/

3-4 Archer Street • South Soho • London • W1D 7AP

Table Bookings & Special Events + 44 207 734 3342 – bookings@archerstreet.co.uk

A Labour of Love – Edible Gifts for Valentine’s Day

Given my self-appointed status as a kitchen-shy twenty-something, as well as the fact that this entire blog encompasses my distinct lack of culinary expertise, the writings that follow may shock you...(mum, I hope you're sitting down for this). Inspired to create a range of Valentine’s Day-themed confectioneries for my loved ones, coupled with the overwhelming desire to prove that, smarter than the average blonde, I'm not *completely *useless in the kitchen, I spent a good few hours whisking, weighing and assembling a plethora of edibles to rival afternoon tea at the Merry Berry residence, (well, kind of)...Thus, without further ado, the fruits of my labour are as follows:

Cherry Rock Cakes

Ingredients:

125g butter

125g caster sugar

500g plain flour

1.5 tablespoons baking powder

25ml milk

1 large egg

250ml water

175g cherries (I used glacé cherries and cut them into halves)

Cinnamon/Mixed spices to taste

Method: 

1.Preheat oven to 200 degrees C / gas mark 6. Grease two large baking trays or line with parchment paper

2.Cream butter and sugar together with an electric mixer.

3.Add flour and baking powder; mix in well.

4.Add milk, egg and water...continue to mix well.

5.Add cherries and sprinkle in the cinnamon/mixed spices...again, mix well (by now you should be well and truly feeling the burn…!)

6.Dollop even portions of dough (not too closely together) on the lined baking trays.

7.Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through.

8.Cool on wire rack and serve warm, or ignore this step and eat straight from the oven (burning your mouth in the process).

Sweet Heart Biscuits

Ingredients:

90g unsalted butter, softened

90g caster sugar

1 medium egg at room temperature

A liberal splash or two of vanilla essence

240g plain (all-purpose flour), plus extra for dusting

To decorate: Icing sugar, plus suitable embellishment

Method:

1.Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C / gas mark 4. Grease two large baking trays or line with parchment paper

2.Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy

3.Add the egg and vanilla essence and beat well – don’t worry of the mixture curdles slightly, just add a tablespoon of the flour and mix well

4.Sift the flour and fold into the mixture (or, in the absence of a sieve, thrown it in and hope for the best) – the aim is to achieve a stiff dough

NB. I had to press the mixture together with my hands and, getting very messy in the process, added a little water in order to make it stick. If you find that the dough is too soft to roll out, refrigerate for 20 minutes and have a cup of tea…

5.Roll out the dough on a cool, lightly flour surface and, using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as possible.

6.Lift on to the baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the hearts turn a very pale golden colour

7.Once cool, decorate with as much bumph as you can stomach (figuratively speaking and quite literally!)

Cherry Loaf Cake

Ingredients:

170g margarine or butter

170g caster sugar

200g cherries (again, I used glacé cherries and cut them into halves)

55g ground almond

110g self raising flour

3 Eggs

Splash of milk

Ready-to-roll marzipan (for decoration)

Method:

1.Cream the butter or margarine with the sugar

2.Beat in the eggs and milk with a whisk (electric or hand depending on upper body strength)

3.Stir in the ground almond and cherries – I dusted the cherries with a little flour to prevent them sinking to the bottom of the cake (I think my mum taught me this and to be honest, I have no idea if it works…)

4.Fold in the self raising flour until mixture is of an admirable consistency (not too runny not too stiff)

5.Line a loaf tin with greaseproof parchment paper and fill with mixture

6.Place in preheated oven at 180 degrees C / gas mark 4 and cook for about 45 mins or until a cocktail stick emerges free from uncooked cake!

7.Once the cake has cooled, roll out the marzipan to the desired thickness and cut to size. I decorated the finished article with a liberal arrangement of (inedible) heart-shaped sequins but let’s face it, given the territory, you can be as creative (or as minimalistic) as you wish.

In conclusion, I know that it’s cringe-worthily cliché but when it comes to knocking up the odd home-made gift, if I can do it, anyone can...Despite the fact that a brief flirtation with the M&S food-hall would have ultimately saved a great deal of time and effort, it wouldn't have been as fun, (stuck behind a host of techno-phobic elderly folk attempting to use the self-serve checkout?....No thank you very much!) It also couldn't have possibly warranted the same sense of self-satisfied joy whereby you inform anyone who'll listen that; ‘I made them myself you know…', that the few hours spent in the kitchen most definitely allowed for. Yes, there was a little improvisation here and there – who knew that a rolling pin was such an essential piece of kit and that an empty wine bottle really doesn't make for a suitable alternative? That said, the experience really did encourage a new-found affinity with my kitchen which my nearest and dearest will be pleased to learn, bodes well for their sweet-toothed needs in the months and years to come...

Byzantium - Portwall Lane, Bristol

It really was a case of third time lucky when it came to reviewing Byzantium – the basis of the second visit was due to the shortcomings of the first* and the third was due to the fact that when we arrived on the second, house-mate 'B' and I were the only two people in the restaurant – a phenomena (amounted to the adverse weather conditions in this case whereby a dusting of snow causes a National stand-still) which would have unquestionably resulted in a complete lack of ambiance. Subsequently, we opted to postpone our visit to a later date...cue visit three which unfolded as per the ramblings that follow... 

Date and Time: Saturday 26^th January 2013, 19:30 
Name of Establishment: Byzantium* 
Location: 2 Portwall Lane, Bristol 
Reason for Visit: A good-will gesture entitling myself and 'B' to dinner-for-two – a measure which, despite saving us a small fortune, did not impact on the content of this review in any shape or form...

Pushing open the heavy, iron-clad doors to reveal the rich colours, unique décor and Mediterranean-style buzz of Byzantium is typically quite a treat – the careful contrast between its air of opulence and the humility of its rustic charm is certainly a million miles away from the nondescript warehouse that the space once was. Its name – just in case you were wondering – refers to the ancient capital of the Eastern Roman Empire – a fact which lends an identity to the cavernous curiousness which extends beyond the pillared atrium (and after-hours dance floor) to the well-stocked bar area and again, to the candlelit restaurant to be found at the summit of the venue's sweeping marble staircase. Even the toilets, complete with modern beaten copper sinks and the brass urns that have been regenerated to incorporate plumbed-in taps, are perfectly in keeping with Byzantium's eclectic quality. That said, the aforementioned ambiance that we had hoped for given the muted manner of visit two was simply not to be. The magicians and belly dancers that have been billed to entertain diners upon occasion were no where to be seen and although there were a number of occupied tables (increasingly so as the evening progressed), the absence of any background music made for that awkward, I-feel-I-must-engage-in-whispered-conversation-with-my-dining-companion sense of unease. Our server reinforced this etiquette; conversing with us in hushed tones – yet, although this was a little off-putting, I really can't praise her enough as she was friendly, professional and efficient for the duration of our visit.

On to the food and with a menu comprising a whole host of modern Mediterranean favourites (what else), we whet our appetites with what I like to refer to as 'brolives'; a duo of, what in this case constituted, lightly-toasted bread flecked with sun-dried tomato and a ramekin of disappointingly, shop-bought-tasting olives. We actually asked for one helping of the above to share between us but given the modest quantities that ensued, we were really rather relieved that our server had misunderstood our request and brought us a portion each - I'm not actually sure what I was expecting for little more than a couple of quid but even so...! To follow, we unanimously opted for the duck ragout (£15.95); a flavoursome ensemble of succulent meatiness, smoother than smooth olive oil mash and smoked garlic chutney. The game 'chips' which completed the dish looked suspiciously like they had been sourced from the Walkers' factory and had unfortunately fallen victim to a little 'sogging' and yet, seemed to enhance the overall presentation of the dish which was commendable to say the least. Another plus point was the quality of the ingredients which, we had been informed, had been locally-sourced; the duck in particular faring tender, tasty and virtually free from fat.

Candlelit Canard!

'Brolives'

Given that January's pay-day had not yet come to fruition, we chose only to stretch to the 'house' rosé which was fruity yet crisp on the palate... That said, it's certainly worth noting that Byzantium offers an extensive wine list, not to mention a delectable assortment of cocktails.

Now, for 'afters' and although there are several plated options, it's all about the famous 'Dessert Lantern' which is made up of six miniature morsels that have been arranged over a two-tiered lantern, or tier-less metal cage on this particular occasion. Now in theory, I LOVE this concept – especially as I'm quite the glutton when it comes to anything to satisfy my sweet tooth – but I'm afraid that this didn't quite materialise with quite the same degree of pizazz that had been gloriously implied on paper. Thus, of the six, I thoroughly enjoyed only two; namely, the white chocolate eton mess (with its light consistency and subtle sweetness) and warm peanut butter cookie. That said, when it came to the latter, 'B' wasn't convinced...bestowing my good self with a double-act of soft, chewy, pea-nutty joy! Without sugar-coating the issue, I'll suggest that the others didn't even come close; the Ginger Cheesecake proving especially bland and the rum and raisin brownie described as disappointingly average.- so average in fact that I couldn't even bring myself to finish my share which, given its chocolaty disposition, is an absolute travesty. A cube of apple and rhubarb crumble and a bite-sized custard tart completed the selection; both of which were visually delicious though somewhat lacking in the taste department. You know that when you can't quite decide whether you're enjoying something enough to warrant another mouthful...yeah that...!

In conclusion, Byzantium clearly has the potential to offer the wow-factor and then some…As a licensed venue for tying the knot, there’s simply no where else like it in Bristol and, after the best part of fourteen years, I think that the issue isn't one of initial appeal, it's one of despondence which to be fair could be easily remedied with a touch more effort, (I mean, surely an empty restaurant for two Saturdays in succession would ring alarm bells with even the most unobservant among us …) It’s that familiar imbalance between substance and style and despite the pull of its decadent interior, the captivating glow from St Mary Redcliffe church - which provides the vista for the entire first floor - and the intricate assemblage of the dishes overall, there really is no excuse for mediocre cuisine at top-end prices. Maybe a little re-think is on the cards; either in terms of the menu's content or possibly in relation to those responsible for what goes on within the glass-fronted kitchen that we, the public, are unapologetically privy to. For, despite the care allocated to appropriately facilitating the *best* ingredients, the dishes they amount to are inadequately executed; well, at least on the large part. It seems to me that although the ancient city of Byzantium flourished for over one thousand years, its namesake would do well to 'up its game' if it is to survive for even a tenth of that duration...food for thought perhaps?

And now for the second opinion, 'B' gave Byzantium a rating of 4/10 and in three words, described it as, 'a big disappointment'. Incidentally, I have appended her original letter of complaint to the venue, for information.

*Initial letter of complaint, sent 23^rd December 2012: 
Morning,

I wanted to contact you after having our office Christmas meal with you on Friday evening as everyone in our group was disappointed with the night as a whole and did not feel that it was good value for money.

Firstly the plastic garden chairs were extremely uncomfortable and the food was disappointing especially the main course which was very dry. Everyone however did enjoy the desserts.

The lack of music while we were eating did make it feel as though we were sat in a Wetherspoons eating our meal.

We cannot fault the service though as the food was very quick coming out.

From the description of the night before hand we were all expecting several magicians and belly dancers, although it turned out that there was only one magician which we only saw very briefly at out table and only the one dancer.

We complained twice about the chairs but nothing was done and we were talked to as if we were complaining over nothing and told "well I didn't buy them" by one waiter. It gave us back ache, watched people nearly fall through them.... Half of the room had nice wooden chairs yet we felt like dirt on your feet. We paid £40 per head to then have out stuff cleared off of tables, furniture whipped away and dancing to the worst DJ any of us have heard in a long time. 

References: 
*http://www.byzantium.co.uk/default.aspx 
Open: Tuesday to Saturday from 17:00-2:00.
Closed: Sunday and Monday.