‘Out of sight and out of mind’ – and that is just what this restaurant should not be. Tucked away on the quiet cobbled Barracks Passage is Lee’s Garden.
I was pleased to be asked to do a review on a Cantonese restaurant as I know it is one of my husband Tony’s favourite style of food. So I booked a table for four and planned to take along our old friends, Margaret and Derek.
Then to our surprise both sons phoned to say they would be home at the weekend, so the table was now booked for six.
A very polite smiling waitress showed us to our table. We were the first to arrive, but as the night wore on the tables began to fill and there was also a steady stream of customers for the takeaway service.
The menu included a choice of 109 dishes – very good for a set priced menu. You could choose ‘Eat as much as you like’ for £12.99 and then upgrade your meal to include either duck or seafood for an extra £3.
A range of starters arrived, all piping hot, including deep fried samosas, salt and spicy chicken wings, crispy wanton with sweet and sour sauce, crispy pancakes, and sesame prawn toast – all excellent.
There was a pleasant interval between starters and main courses, probably due to the comment printed on the menu ‘we cook freshly’ and we agree with that.
We all choose different dishes, which were all presented nicely, piping hot and very tasty. I had beef and ginger, which was lovely – the beef so very tender.
Tony tried his favourite, king prawn with Szechuan sauce; there was not much conversation from him until the plate was empty, and he savoured it all with a smile.
Richard tried a pork meal, while Andy and Margaret sampled beef options and they all thought their choices were very tasty and well presented.
Meanwhile Derek had opted for a sweet and sour dish, which came up to his expectations.
If I really did have to pick on something, I would say it would have been nice to have the plates piping hot, allowing the food to keep warm for longer.
So perhaps next time, (yes, for me there will be a next time) try and make the plates hot.
Paying the bill was a little confusing – I queried the amount and the waitress was very polite and explained that there was a 10 per cent service charge added for parties of six and over.
She pointed out that this was printed in very small letters at the bottom of the menu, but I feel the service charge should be discretionary for all.
My verdict: Lee’s Garden is a winner, so look down Shrewsbury’s old cobbled streets – it is surprising just what you can find tucked away.
