Whenever I go to Leicester I always contemplate the choice of places I will have to dine; there’s such variety and diversity it’s very hard to choose where to go. If I fancy a cocktail then I will almost always head straight for one of The Orange Tree bars. When I was up there most recently I thought I’d best give the menu a perusal, it would be rude not to.

The Orange Tree on the High Street seems to be where Life on Mars meets Bargain Hunt; an interesting place for the eyes to fall on anything from an old telephone sign to local art on the walls. None of the tables or chairs match, in the best way, and the lighting is such that everyone looks slightly yellow and romantic at the same time. Next to our table was a sign advertising the names of the local suppliers and farms used in their food, something they are clearly proud of. Full support is given to Hugh’s Fish Fight for all the fish on their menu. There is always a different cocktail of the week, soup of the day, pie of the week and several specials to choose from coarsely scribed on the blackboard. read more

The second instalment of this trio was devoured in a quaint little restaurant in Leicester. Entropy is outside the hustle and bustle of Leicester city centre and in my opinion Leicester is crying out for more restaurants like this one. The head chef worked at The Fat Duck and also The Vineyard at Stockcross so without contemplation it was obvious this was going to be a corker.

It’s just one of those restaurant come pubs that you wish you had a comfortable walking distance from your abode. I was very pleased to discover they have a breakfast menu at the weekend as well as an exquisite regular restaurant menu. They also make their own sourdough bread which comes served on a charming little bread board with bread knife and having been a few times I can tell you it’s worth ordering one. You can even take it away to liven up the weekly bore of work lunches.

To the most important thing. Breakfast. R had the biggest yet cutest English breakfast I’ve ever seen. I find it’s the little things that make the difference. They had cut out little discs for the fried bread and the ingredients were of such high quality.

As with The Almanack I was served one muffin. This time however it was quality and perfection. It was also nice to find the traditional Eggs Benedict with spinach and Parma ham. The muffin was warm and just toasted so it was still slightly crisp as the hollandaise hadn’t had the chance to soak into it. The spinach was spinach, nothing to report but good to know I had consumed a little folic acid first thing in the morning – an added bonus on top of a mouthwatering breakfast. The Parma ham was also as expected and the saltiness was so nice with the metallic wateriness of the spinach.

In contrast to my previous repast, the hollandaise was light, creamy, rich, luscious, buttery and elegant. I knew then and there that a bar had been set, and it had been set high. I just wanted more. The egg was impeccable. The yolk gushed down the side of the dish like it had the Midas touch. I find it hard to see how it could have been improved. How can the previous two dishes both cost £6 and yet be worlds apart?

4.5 out of 5 – I wanted more!

All That I’m Eating

This restaurant has since closed.
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Eggs Benedict is one of my all time favourite, comfort giving, wonderfully satisfying indulgences. Because of this and as I am sure many other people love this ultimate unbeatable combination, I am going to compare 3 restaurants interpretations of this classic.

The Almanack in Leicester is a relatively new opened establishment. I went soon after it opened and I think at this time they may have been cutting some corners to ease themselves in. Or maybe they are just lazy. Either way, I’ve not been back to try anything else because of the poor effort in the Eggs Benedict department. read more

There are lots and lots (too many if anything) of burgers and burger chains. How does one choose? The Handmade Burger Co. has just five branches in the UK: Birmingham, Leicester, Sheffield, Solihull and Aberdeen. The reason I’m telling you where they are is because if you happen to be in any of these places, you must go.

There were flavour combinations that I would never have considered in a burger and I am so glad I tried the, ‘Milano’, which I suppose you could call the Italian burger. Mozzarella, pesto and a truly delicious burger. Probably not the most adventerous of the burgers on offer but sumptuously satisfying. Fortunately the bread is as nice as the burger and the sides are not a disappointment.

The burgers are handmade as are the chips. They use sour dough bread. They try and source all the ingredients from Britain which I think is no bad thing. I love love love brown chips and in most places the chips are just beyond anaemic before they are served. Here though I was in my element. Delectable.

Not sure if anyone else has this issue but when I get a burger in some of these chains they are just too big. You can’t pick it up no way no how. This one was the perfect size and thickness without it and its contents dribbling all over my chin. They have options for everyone and the atmosphere and setting are very nice.

The one and only problem is that they charge what I consider an extortionate amount for dips – ketchup and mayonnaise are free but if you fancy chilli sauce, garlic mayo or any of the others, you are looking at £1.25 per dip. I didn’t bother. I would only pay that much if it was made from white truffles.

All That I’m Eating read more