This was a gifted meal.
I like the size and feel of The Living Room; the long bar, the different seating areas, the grand piano. It’s a nice place to relax. The idea behind the new menu is all about presentation; quirky, unexpected or grand displays of food. It’s not very often I get a menu where I just can’t choose what to have. I wanted to try everything; buttermilk chicken wings, pulled pork burger, Moroccan lamb sandwich, ricotta and potato gnocchi to name a few. I thought the menu was well laid out, easy to navigate and extremely tempting.
Whenever I go out for a meal I have two main concerns; the desire for fullness and food envy. I hate it when I’ve chosen one dish and whoever I’m dining with has got something that makes me jealous. It’s embarrassing enough dribbling at their meal and sneaking a few morsels off their plate without your eyes turning green. This rather unattractive situation normally arises if there’s a burger involved. Thank heavens then that The Living Room offer mini burgers as a sort of burger tapas (an idea I like very much) so this way I can get my burger quotient for the day but also allow myself to try some of the other items on the menu.
So for starters me and the OH decided to try the Vietnamese spring rolls and the mini beef burger. I wanted something light, crisp and fresh and neither of us have ever been known to turn down a burger. The spring rolls were very generously filled with fresh vegetables and herbs and the two dipping sauces (chilli and peanut) were well complemented. The burger was teeny tiny, it seemed a shame to eat it, but tuck in we did; it had everything you want from a burger but as a little soupçon. The burger relish was particularly moreish.
Now I know you must be thinking how could I not have ordered the pulled pork burger? Well, I had already sorted this out in my head. I couldn’t very well have a mini beef burger and then a pulled pork burger. I think even for a burger fanatic that’s too much burger for one sitting. What I did (which I think was very well thought through) was to order the pork plank. It’s not only satisfying to say but it certainly fulfilled the criteria for my two dining concerns; I was full and there was no room for jealousy.
It also allowed me to enjoy pulled pork in the form of croquettes which were divine; subtly spiced with a crisp outside and juicy, meaty middle. The black pudding doughnuts were an interesting discovery and they were great with the little bottle of sauce on the plank. I wasn’t completely sure what the sauce was but it tasted of meat so that’s fine by me. The sticky ribs were meltingly well cooked and seasoned. The rolled belly was so juicy and the crackling crisp. I have to say that the peas were a real highlight; they were served just with butter and onions but they were so good. The potatoes were something I’ve not had before (smashed ratte potatoes) and were sort of sour cream potato salad. All very nice. The plank itself makes an impressive entrance.
Of course there’s always room for pudding. Again I was stuck for what to choose so I opted for all of them. Not in a greedy way but in a mini version way to share. I thought the chocolate pave was really good because of the salted caramel and peanut butter ice cream it was served with, it all worked very well together. The sticky toffee pudding was just how I like it; sticky and toffee-y. The bakewell parfait was really interesting because the flavours were recognisable but the texture different. The best pudding for me was the basil grande Eton mess. A fantastic combination of floral basil, sweet strawberries, cream and crisp meringue.
Overall I really enjoyed the meal, the atmosphere and the service. I liked how flexible the menu is and that you can really mix and match with whatever you like; a sort of British and worldwide tapas. I left the meal satisfied that neither of my concerns had come to fruition; I was merrily full and I didn’t turn into the Hulk.
The Living Room has since closed.
This meal was paid for by The Living Room. All opinions expressed and words are my own.
Menu flexibility is not something we Brits do well, is it? I like the idea of Small Dishes / Mezze, but British style. That’s a very interesting concept. Mini beef+yorkies; tiny cod+chips; Lancashire hotpot made in a ramekin…?
That all looks fabulous. I think it would have taken me all night to make a decision.
Wow, seems like it’s a great place to enjoy and relax. I love the varieties of selection on the menu.
Have a great weekend.
that sounds like an awesome dinner! i especially am in love with that dessert plate – sounds fabulous
Great place to visit and enjoy with awesome menu selection!
Awesome spread of goodies and these are so fabulous. Got me all excited too.
You had me at gnocchi. Love it when you find one place where everything just works for you
haha, agreed on food envy! Gets me everytime
‘I hate it when I’ve chosen one dish and whoever I’m dining with has got something that makes me jealous.’–happens to me all the time.