Eat
Inside St Benedict's Restaurant, Norwich.
It was a really nice experience to return to St Benedict’s Restaurant after not having eaten there for some time. While I’ve always known it was one of the best places to eat out in Norwich, it was great to be reminded of this in such a positive way.
Celebrating its impressive 20th year (under the same original founder-owners, Jayne and Nigel Raffles – Nigel also doubling as the Chef), St Benedict’s Restaurant is immaculate and stylish inside, successfully projecting a vibe of contemporary eatery with touches of rustic European brasserie.
It was a Thursday night and unusually quiet we were told, a fact that was actually quite nice as it allowed us (myself and my dining companion – my Mum) to completely relax after the hustle and bustle of the day.
There are two menu options for the evening – a Table d’hote (2 courses £14.95, 3 courses £17.95) and a full A la Carte (2 courses £21.95, 3 course £25.95). I like the idea of set prices compared to pricing for each individual dish. I imagine it certainly makes it a lot easier when dining in a large group.
There is a comprehensive wine list that appears to have been put together with care, often containing detailed descriptions of the wine. There are several wines available by the glass.
Manager Karolina was extremely friendly, courteous and intuitive, being just attentive enough without being overly intrusive.
To start I chose Local Asparagus with a free range egg, parmesan and white truffle oil, while Mum took the soup of the day – Butternut Squash with Coconut and Chilli. While we waited we munched on foccacia bread, made on the premises and absolutely lovely. Everything is cooked to order, though the wait was not long (possibly a bonus of the restaurant not being too busy).
Both dishes were beautifully presented and delicious – the Asparagus being a superb ‘lighter’ choice if you were planning on three courses. The soup was wonderful – a very mouth-watering and unusual combination with quite a kick. In a large bowl, it was filling enough for those only taking two courses.
Asparagus starter at St Benedict's Restaurant.
My main course was Potato Gnocchi with butternut squash puree and purple sprouting broccoli, while my Mum had the Grilled Chicken Breast marinated with lemon and dijon mustard served with local asparagus, smoked bacon and pan fried new potatoes. My dish was very nice and surprisingly filling, while Mum said the chicken was very tender and described it as ‘gorgeous’.
Potato Gnocchi at St Benedict's Restaurant.
Already beaten by the first two courses, I could not persuade my Mum to take a desert – not even the fresh strawberries. This was a travesty considering the pudding menu – I found it hard to settle on just one. In the end I chose the Vanilla Brullee Mousse with Gooseberry Compote. Fresh and light, it was just rich enough. A perfect finale to a wonderful meal.
Overall, the experience was delightful – a superb meal, full of flavour and presented beautifully, in smart and tasteful surroundings. Subtle music (but not simply ‘musak’) completed the ambience.
You only have to look right upon entering St Benedict’s Restaurant to be assured of its pedigree – a wall of rosettes, accolades and awards dating back years confirms the quality of the fare on offer here (the restaurant currently holds an AA Rosette). But then after the best part of a quarter Century, you’d expect Nigel and Jayne to know their stuff. This, their flagship restaurant does not disappoint.
* Food images taken on an iPhone on the night.
St. Benedicts Restaurant.
9 St. Benedict’s Street, Norwich, NR2 4PE.
Tel: 01603 765377.
Roger Hickman’s Restaurant, in Norwich, has been named as the East of England regional winner in the prestigious The Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year Awards.
Over 27,500 diners* nominated their favourite restaurants, pubs and cafés from around the UK, and The Good Food Guide Award judges have whittled the nominations down to name some of the best dining experiences on offer from around the country.
To qualify for the awards restaurants needed to be independently-run, offering regional or local produce where possible and deliver consistently great food and excellent service. Roger Hickman’s Restaurant fought off stiff competition from other restaurants in the East to win the award.
Restaurant owner Roger Hickman was delighted to be named as the winner, saying: “I’m absolutely thrilled to win such a prestigious accolade! We are very proud of what we have achieved, so thanks go to all of our customers and those that have voted for us.”
Elizabeth Carter, Consultant Editor of The Good Food Guide said: “Roger Hickman proves that fine dining need not be stuffy. His triumphant return to his old stomping ground has seen him lighten the mood. With a cordial, chatty atmosphere and superb cooking that is all about clean-cut seasonal flavours, Roger Hickman gives a masterclass in how a top local restaurant should be run.”
Roger Hickman’s Restaurant is one of ten regional winners** from around the UK, one of whom will go on to be named as the overall The Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year at an award ceremony at King’s Place, London on 23rd June 2011.
Roger Hickman’s Restaurant.
79 Upper St. Giles Street, Norwich, NR2 1AB.
Tel: 01603 633522.
www.rogerhickmansrestaurant.com
*The public were invited to nominate their favourite independently-run restaurants, pubs and cafés either online or by submitting a postcard which was available in restaurants.
**The ten regional winners are:
- Wales – Cwtch, Pembrokeshire
- East of England – Roger Hickman’s Restaurant, Norwich
- London – Retro Bistrot, Teddington
- Midlands – Edmunds, Birmingham
- Northern Ireland – Molly’s Yard, Belfast
- North West – Spire, Liverpool
- North East – Salvo’s, Leeds
- Scotland – Ondine, Edinburgh
- South East – Orwells, Shiplake
- South West – The Mill Tea & Dining Room, Lyme Regis
All ten regional winners will appear in The Good Food Guide 2012 which publishes on 8th September 2011.
The Good Food Guide is the UK’s longest-running, bestselling restaurant guide. Now in its 61st year, it does not accept any sponsorship, advertising or freebies. It includes reviews of the very best dining establishments in the UK, from great value pubs to fine dining.
Further information about The Good Food Guide can be found at www.thegoodfoodguide.co.uk.
Shrimps, Smoked Salmon, Brancaster Oysters… A seafood lovers dream, Briarfields Hotel in Titchwell on the North Norfolk coast are running a Seafood Bar every Sunday from June until the end of September between 12Noon and 5pm.
Running alongside the traditional Sunday Lunch menu, this is perfect for those who want to sample a little seafood, with individual items on offer, or a 3 Tier Selection.
Obviously, offerings will change with availability and seasonality, but as a guide, prices are:
Seafood Platter: £15.95 for the 3-Tier plate, £6.95 Starter Plate selection.
Regular Sunday lunch prices is: £11.25 one course, £15.75 two courses, £19.95 three courses.
The Briarfields Hotel.
Main Street, Titchwell, Norfolk, PE31 8BB.
Tel: 01485 210742.
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