Ostlers resturant, Severn Terrace, Worcester.
10:22am Friday 30th November 2007
OSTLERS is by far one of Worcester's best restaurants for anyone wanting to enjoy a special meal with loved ones in a unique atmosphere.
Set on a quiet corner next to Worcester Racecourse and the Swan Theatre it could be easily forgotten about if you don't attend such venues. However, once you have been to Ostlers for a meal, you will want to go again and again.
On our arrival it was evident the new owners had given this place a delicate refurbishment giving the restaurant a much more spacious and clean-cut feel without losing any of the building's kooky charm.
Once sat at our table, we perused through the extensive wine list and nibbled on rustic wholemeal bread smothered in delicious homemade butter while jazzy music played in the background. A quick look at the food menu and we were all pleased to see a concise list of delicious-looking dishes. The waitress also offered to talk us knowledgeably through the specials board describing the taste and texture of every dish.
As a result I chose the strips of chilli beef with dried noodles (£5.25) along with two other members of my group. The meat was cooked to perfection and it was by far one of the most flavoursome appetisers I have ever had.
My other guest had the mature cheddar cheese and leek filo basket which she enjoyed very much. The melted cheese was particularly delightful.
For main courses the three of us chose the rack of lamb on wholegrain mash and rosemary jus.
At this point we ordered a bottle of gorgeous Chilean Pinot Noir (£14.50) which complemented the tasty, juicy meat beautifully. The lamb fat covered in herbs and spices was a tasty addition as well.
However, the meat did not fall off the bone as easily as we all expected.
Meanwhile, my other guest had a healthy serving of halibut bourguignon (£16.25) which was polished off with much satisfaction, along with the big bowl of vegetables available to us all.
After a short breather temptation got the better of us and two surprisingly light sticky toffee puddings and two dark chocolate cheesecakes with orange and white chocolate cremon glaze were ordered (all £5.25). All were tasty and incredibly naughty while the cheesecakes in particular were well-presented.
Once our dishes were cleared we slowly finished our drinks soaking up the relaxed atmosphere in the busy restaurant before heading home satisfied we'd had an extremely good time.
OSTLERS RESTAURANT, SEVERN TERRACE, WORCESTER Tel: 01905 612300SERVICE: **** FOOD: **** VALUE: **** AMBIENCE: *****