I have had the pleasure before of visiting Drapers Hall for lunch but never for dinner.
We got to the restaurant at 7pm and went straight to our table, ordered our drinks and looked at the menu.
I had already read some previous food reviews about Drapers Hall in which they were glowing and we were both really looking forward to an exceptional meal.
The description of the food on the menu was pure delight and I could have ordered at least three or four dishes from each course, the same for my partner.
After careful consideration, I decided to have the three seared scallops with sweet chilli sauce and creme fraiche, while Tony opted for the confit of duck leg with orange and rocket salad, balsamic and honey.
For our main dish I decided on the best end cutlets of lamb with a green herb crust, mint pesto and redcurrant jelly and Tony went for the roast fillet of beef carved and served with provencal tomato and sweet glazed shallots.
When the starters arrived, the smell and presentation were excellent. Tony thought the duck was gorgeous, not too much, but still enough to start the evening off nicely. My scallops were lovely and the sweet chilli sauce had a perfect kick to it but not over the top.
Lamb is my favourite meat of all and I had very high expectations for the taste of the lamb. When my dish arrived it looked fantastic – it came with dauphinoise potatoes, the three large lamb chops laid over the top with sauce around the outside.
Tony’s fillet beef came in a shallot sauce and the same potatoes, with enough seasonal vegetables for both dishes. The taste was wonderful and the meat from both dishes was among the best we have ever tasted as it just melted in our mouths.
We were asked if we would like desserts and when the menu arrived I have to say once again we must have wanted about three or four on the menu.
However, in the end I went for the raspberry creme brulée and Tony went for the chocolate fondant, which is baked to order and served with mint iced cream, white and dark chocolate sauces and chantilly cream (you must allow approximately 10 minutes for it to be cooked).
When they arrived they were beautifully presented – Tony couldn’t stop talking about how fantastic his desert was. Mine was also as lovely and the taste was very creamy and rich.
Coffee was served and both of us reflected on the meal. Our conclusion was that we felt that it was definitely not over-priced for the quality, atmosphere, service and presentation.
The choices that we were given tested our tastebuds and made it hard to choose. The quality of the ingredients were excellent and that came across in the taste of the food and the aromas that passed us from other people’s dishes.
We will definitely return to Drapers Hall.
