Halligans

An off the cuff decision took us to Halligans last week, ahead of the Royal Wedding. The unit was previously called Bamboo and the chef still has connections with the previous venue.

The restaurant is laid out over two floors, although the upstairs is only used when really busy, and the night we went it was comfortable, so we were seated near the window downstairs, affording me a view for a change, as the Oxton society passed by the window going hither and thither.

We got stuck into a  bottle of Chardonnay and then the meal itself. I had scallops to start , accompanied with asparagus and crisped palma ham, SWMBO had the chicken liver pate. This comes in its own preserves type pot with door stop toasted bread slices. All was very tasty.

For the main course I selected the roast belly pork, and the other half had a a very good braised daube of beef. Both were served with a selection of vegetables and potatoes. The veg included red cabbage, a choice which only seems to be available in restaurants....who does eat red cabbage at home?

All in all it was very pleasant, and the fixed price menu at £12.50 is very reasonable ( scallops were extra though). The staff are always very friendly, so the only criticism was the speed of service. No it was not slow, quite the opposite. We booked for 8pm, nobody arrived after us, and we were almost last out of the door at 9;15ish. It was our fault for not asking for a break between courses, something we always try to do, but it still felt a bit like they wanted to be done so they could shut early.  So remember to ask for that breathing space when you go.

Lucky we did not have cheese really.