THE OLD RECTIFYING HOUSE

4 North Parade

Worcester

WR1 3NN

01905 619622

WE hacks often have a jar or two at the Old Rectifying House and I have regularly sampled its fine range of snacks and sandwiches, not to mention some quality drinks, in its upstairs bar.

But I must confess to having dined out in the basement on only a couple of occasions and some time ago.

My companion had never eaten there, so we were both looking forward to some fine dining on a chill autumnal evening.

Matt Denwood and his staff have always been friendly and professional and they did not disappoint on this occasion.

The genial door staff ushered us into the restaurant, where we were warmly greeted by waitress Becca who, with her colleagues, were friendly and efficient throughout the evening.

The restaurant is classy, smart, yet comfortable with leather seating areas to enjoy a drink while you wait for your table and even a well-stocked bookcase.

The candle-lit tables, complete with proper tablecloths, are well spaced out so you can enjoy intimate conversation.

So to the food. From previous experience I can attest to the Rec’s fine range of steaks but on this occasion I was tempted more by the fish section.

My companion is vegetarian so it was a perfect opportunity to see what else the Rec had to offer.

There is a good range on the menu, from comfy classics such as steak and ale suet pudding to the more discerning baby quail.

For starters I opted for the carpaccio of tuna, which came with pineapple and mango salsa and a pickled ginger and lime dressing (£6.95).

My companion plumped for the Evesham asparagus, accompanied by poached egg, shaved grana padano, sunblushed tomatoes and truffle oil (£6.50).

Both dishes were exquisite and delightfully presented and you could really taste the flavours melding together.

The tuna had just the right, light texture while there was quite a little kick in that pickled ginger dressing.

My companion, from Evesham, knows her asparagus and declared it just the right crunchy texture, the poached egg cooked to runny yolk perfection and a subtle tang to the tomatoes.

We deliberated for some time over mains. I know the beef, which comes from the Aberdeen Angus of Hillworth Farm, near Malvern, to be excellent.

The Cornish mackerel looked tempting but in the end I plumped for good old fish and chips.

The battered haddock came with chunky chips, mushy peas and a tossed salad with sauce gribiche all served on a wooden board – very rustic (£12.50).

It was a delight, very fresh, tasty and again some thought had gone into the presentation.

My companion opted for wild mushroom and garlic feuillette with creamed potatoes and micro cresses (£12.50).

Her tastebuds were duly satisfied, not only by the pastry dish but the subtly salty creamed potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables.

The desserts, all priced £6, were truly tempting and we willingly gave in.

My companion felt she was getting two for the price of one with her banoffee pie and caramelised banana.

Again it was exquisitely presented, with the caramelised banana delicately placed on a fluffy mousse.

My knickerbocker glory brought back memories of devilish seaside treats as a child – a guilty pleasure indeed.

The Old Rectifying House certainly lived up to expectations. It is a place where you can enjoy excellent food, locally sourced in smart, unpretentious surroundings.

We will be back.

HOW IT RATED

Food 4

Ambience 4

Value for Money 4

Service 5