Was sceptical before booking even though this restaurant had been recommend to me by my dear friend and fellow-foodie-cum-dining-companion.
However, right from the moment our friendly waiter (without being too friendly) made some menu suggestions and was amenable to making changes (like offering the delicious pea and mint soup dairy-free), we knew we might be in for a treat!
The said soup was soup-er (better than this dreadful pun, let me assure you) and was seasoned delightfully, presented beautifully (as were all dishes) and if you wanted to add some Himalayan pink, rock salt or black pepper you could reach for the very original and charming twisters that dispensed both with appealing ease..
My friend's octopus on a sweet-potato puree base pleased her considerably, my cauliflower dish made what could otherwise have been a rather bland main perfectly enjoyable (and, generous a serving, too). Fries were cooked to perfection and extremely plentiful (probably the biggest side portion we have ever had).
By the time it came to dessert, the thrill factor increased further! My friend, who is originally from Ukraine, noted that the honey cake resembled the ones she grew up eating and started to suffer from a case of cake envy (as well as nostalgia) even though she liked her pistachio cheese cake. Teas were served in rather charming, somewhat rustic cups and saucers and our second server was an endearingly sweet young girl who was equally friendly and professional as the first person.
All in all, this is a restaurant that does not need to try hard, has no pretensions to wow with interior decor gimmicks, even though there is nothing faulty with its simple but pleasing scheme. Yet, I can confidently declare that far from the food being 'average' as some reviews have erroneously claimed, this is on the good to outstanding spectrum (including the Merlot glass of wine that we sipped throughout).
It's not cheap but it's not expensive and bearing in mind the location, the quality, beauty of presentation and delicate range of flavours on offer, I don't think one should grumble; one should let Bennie's food crumble with considerable contentment in the mouth!
We will be returning for sure and I commend those, like me, who might be unsure, to give it a try as I did! You...
Read morePromising 3. Would return to have cocktail and steal tar tar. Lunch offer menu not offered, I had to ask. It was then given - Not sure if it was genuinely forgotten or intentionally not given. Not asked about allergies/ intolerance but I understand this can be forgotten. Either way, a bad start.
Steak tar tar 10/10, nor served straight from the fridge like in some establishments. Aubergene was very good, not oiley or heavily battered.
Brocolli tempura was crispy around the stem. However, dissapointingly, the floret sections were dense with dough.
Would prefer the immediate entrance area to be the white and green colour scheme to make it more daytime friendly as I wouldn't return to breakfast or lunch here in the summer months. Good use of mirrors throughout and does pull off the orange colour scheme without connotations of Easy-Jet.
Payment is preferred via QR for which there is a £1 at platform charge in addition to the 12.5 service free. You are then also offered to tip. Seems unethical to me, as if paying in haste etc., one could easily add this. Would also like the option to remove service fee which can only be done through verbal request.
Presently would recommend it for evenings only. There are 3 different fonts used on external signage. The door handle when entering is too close to the other door that your knuckles are grazed. Music is good and appropriate to the setting.
I will return for nightimg cocktails and to see if the mains will warrant the same praise as the starters.
If you like Ottolenghi you would like it here. Will give the benefit of the doubt as i would like to believe there is honesty in the service here and that the lunch offer menu was genuinely forgotten.
Because of the brocolli I left feeling hungry. The redeeming feature was the...
Read moreDuring my recent brunch at Bennie Restaurant and Bar, I decided to mix and match by ordering both the Eggs Benedict and the Avocado on Toast. This turned out to be an excellent choice that showcased the restaurant’s flair for classic brunch dishes with a modern twist.
The Eggs Benedict were spot on, featuring perfectly poached eggs with a runny yolk that complemented the rich, creamy hollandaise sauce. The English muffin was toasted to perfection, providing a nice contrast in texture. What set this dish apart was the quality of the ingredients – the ham was flavorful and added just the right amount of saltiness to balance the dish.
On the other hand, the Avocado on Toast was equally impressive. The avocado was creamy and fresh, spread generously on a slice of perfectly toasted sourdough. The addition of pomegranate seeds was a delightful surprise, adding a burst of sweetness and a slight crunch that elevated the dish. A sprinkle of chili flakes added a mild heat, making each bite interesting and flavorful.
Combining these two dishes offered a wonderful variety of flavors and textures, making for a satisfying and well-rounded brunch. The ambiance of Bennie, with its large windows letting in natural light and the cozy yet stylish decor, made the experience even more enjoyable. The friendly and attentive staff ensured that my coffee cup was never empty and that the dining experience was seamless.
Overall, my brunch at Bennie Restaurant and Bar was delightful. The combination of Eggs Benedict and Avocado on Toast is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds. Bennie’s inviting atmosphere and top-notch service make it a perfect spot for a relaxed and delicious...
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