RUSSELL’S

20 High Street,

Broadway,

Worcestershire

WR12 7DT

01386 853555

RUSSELL’S restaurant sits comfortably nestled into the High Street of Broadway in a building that would not look out of place on the front of a postcard.

Indeed, as the former showroom of the world-renowned furniture manufacturer Gordon Russell, the eatery has perhaps appeared in a glossy magazine or two.

So needless to say, I had more than one person volunteer to be my guest when I was given the chance to sample the food in the restaurant.

I visited with my mum on a chilly Friday night and we were immediately greeted at the bar and shown to a table for two in what appeared to be a fully booked restaurant.

After checking out the wine list we both opted for a glass of red and a jug of water, both of which came within a few minutes.

The menu had six choices of starter. I plumped for the delicious and full-flavoured barbecue mackerel with bean salsa. My mum chose cream of carrot soup, which she enjoyed, commenting on the thick yet creamy texture of the dish. One interesting addition to the menu was the provenance at the foot explaining the origin of the ingredients, highlighting the locally sourced food in the dishes.

We were also brought four complimentary bread rolls and butter, which were deliciously flavoured and warm from the oven.

My main course was a mushroom and truffle risotto.

The portion size of the rich and creamy dish was more than adequate and the presentation was simple but classic.

The sea bass, which my mum also enjoyed, was served with roasted vine tomatoes that were particularly sweet in taste, fresh new potatoes and an extra side portion of buttery green beans.

We agreed we could barely manage a pudding but I settled on a peach and honeycomb crumble served with burnt vanilla ice cream that I quickly ate until I could manage no more.

The ice cream, a flavour I had not come across before, perfectly complemented the sugary peaches and the dry crumble.

Mum opted for the lemon and rice soufflé, an impressively tall soufflé spilling over the sides of the pot it had been baked in.

Mum said it was very tasty but quite light, which she appreciated at the end of a filling three-course meal.

Throughout the evening the attentive but unobtrusive staff ensured we had everything we needed and although young, they provided excellent service.

The bill came to just over £78 and although more than I would normally spend on a meal out, it seemed fitting for the quality of the food and the entire experience we had enjoyed.

HOW IT RATED

Food 5

Ambience 4

Value for Money 3

Service 4