Straits Brasserie is located near the Cathedral area of Lincoln, which is where you'll find cobbled streets and beautiful little boutique shops. I'd advise anyone visiting this restaurant, not to wear heels, as manoeuvering up the cobbles is a great challenge.
As you walk into the restaurant, you realise that certainly the waiting staff aren't Brazilian, although the waiter who served us, could pronounce all the dishes perfectly. I would say the menu is very good, although my companion said they thought the menu a little sparse.
The decor was good, although, at times i felt i had to lower my voice, as the tables are rather close together. Unfortunately the weather wasn't good enough to sit on the terrace, but i would certainly try it out there. Service was good, we were served promptly and staff were extremely polite.
For a starter, i had Lula Frita (fried squid with salad and sweet chilli mayo), this was a fantastic dish, they'd actually put bits of chilli in the batter as well, so it wasn't just your bog standard calamari....i ate every last bit! I had a small glass of wine to accompany this, which is by no means small, i was actually glad i didn't order a large glass. For main course i had the XinXim de Galinha which is Chicken and King prawns in Mild Spicy Coriander,Red Palm oil, Peanut & Cashew Sauce served with Rice. If this is traditional Brazilian food, then i want to go to Brazil, pleeeeeaaasse!!!! I thought i may be able to manage a dessert, however tempting the chocolate lovers' dessert sounded, i settled for the Irish coffee, as i had already eaten so much.
All in all, excellent atmosphere, price and fantastic food, well worth a visit!!!
My ratings-
Service- 8/10
Atmosphere- 8/10
Food- 9/10
Price- 9/10
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
The Chequered Skipper, Ashton, Northants
Ashton village is an absolute gem, it's an estate constructed by the Rothchild family and having had strong links to Royalty from Henry the Eighth, to Charles the Second, there is no doubt that there is something very regal about this village. The village consists of stunning scenery, beautiful cottages and you will see numerous peacocks wandering around the village to add to the wonder of the place.
At the hub of the village, is a green where you will see a beautiful building, only on closer inspection do you realise it is a pub/restaurant, nothing like the 'in your face' establishments that we are so used to in this day and age. There is an absolutely breathtaking roof terrace, which would be perfect on a summers' day, however, everytime i have visited the Chequered Skipper, it has been raining, or too cold.
There was a fire at the Chequered Skipper in 1996, therefore the pub went through a complete refurbishment. What a wonderful job was done, the decor is fantastic and the wooden fireplace a great feature. Service in the Chequered Skipper can be rather hit and miss, it tends to be completely packed all the time, so as long as you are prepared to wait, you will not be disappointed!
The menu is changed often, so everytime i have gone back, i have had something different! Last time i went i had gorgeous breaded chillis, with a dipping sauce, for main course i had a tender cut of beef in a mouthwatering brandy based sauce, with seasonal vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes and last but not least...something i'm not usually a fan of...dessert...possibly the best dessert i've EVER had in my life: a large chocolate brownie, with chocolate sauce and heavenly homemade white chocolate icecream.
Every time i go to the Chequered Skipper, i must have this dessert, and i leave feeling extremely full. Although service can be slow, it's to be expected in this little oasis. So i thoroughly recommend a visit to this most romantic and historic village, also take the time for a walk around before your meal.
My ratings-
Service- 6
Atmosphere-7
Food- 9
Price- 8
At the hub of the village, is a green where you will see a beautiful building, only on closer inspection do you realise it is a pub/restaurant, nothing like the 'in your face' establishments that we are so used to in this day and age. There is an absolutely breathtaking roof terrace, which would be perfect on a summers' day, however, everytime i have visited the Chequered Skipper, it has been raining, or too cold.
There was a fire at the Chequered Skipper in 1996, therefore the pub went through a complete refurbishment. What a wonderful job was done, the decor is fantastic and the wooden fireplace a great feature. Service in the Chequered Skipper can be rather hit and miss, it tends to be completely packed all the time, so as long as you are prepared to wait, you will not be disappointed!
The menu is changed often, so everytime i have gone back, i have had something different! Last time i went i had gorgeous breaded chillis, with a dipping sauce, for main course i had a tender cut of beef in a mouthwatering brandy based sauce, with seasonal vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes and last but not least...something i'm not usually a fan of...dessert...possibly the best dessert i've EVER had in my life: a large chocolate brownie, with chocolate sauce and heavenly homemade white chocolate icecream.
Every time i go to the Chequered Skipper, i must have this dessert, and i leave feeling extremely full. Although service can be slow, it's to be expected in this little oasis. So i thoroughly recommend a visit to this most romantic and historic village, also take the time for a walk around before your meal.
My ratings-
Service- 6
Atmosphere-7
Food- 9
Price- 8
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