TUCKED away in a corner of Worcester, next to the river Severn, is a little taste of the Mediterranean where some friends and I recently enjoyed a delicious Sunday lunch at the Quay in Worcester.

When we arrived the place was packed, so I was glad I’d booked a table. The restaurant is cosy and inviting, decorated in rich terracottas, ocean blues, sunshine yellows and brightly painted wall tiles.

The menu isn’t huge, but it does have a specials board and offers a selection of dishes from several different cuisines.

At lunchtime there is the option of choosing from a set menu, and at £9.95 for two courses – or £12.95 for three – this is fantastic value for money.

Two of us opted for this menu – choosing starters of ham and parsley terrine with piccalilli and sourdough toast and goats’ cheese and caramelised onion tart.

Our companions both chose smoked salmon and prawn savoury crumble (£4.75 each ) from off the main menu.

All our starters looked delicious and we all agreed they were both a great success and generously portioned.

For main course, the set menu set opted for salmon and dill fishcakes with salad and Mediterranean chicken risotto. The other choices were lamb koftas with spicy tomato sauce and roasted vegetable cous cous (£7.50) and spaghetti carbonara with garlic bread (£6.95).

Again all the meals were well presented and freshly cooked.

For dessert the set menu choice was chocolate and peppermint tart with mint humbug ice cream and pineapple and mango meringue. The other diners opted to share a selection of cheese and biscuits (£4.95).

I have to say the puddings were delicious – especially the pineapple and mango meringue – heaps of fresh fruit, gooey meringue and lashings of fresh cream. A warm chocolate tart had a mousse-like consistency and the accompanying ice cream was fabulous.

The cheese selection was more than enough for two to share and came with a very spicy tomato chutney.

We left the Quay to wander along the river bank, all agreeing that we’d definitely be returning one day soon.

HOW IT RATED

The Quay,
South Quay,
Worcester.
Telephone: 01905 745792
Food ★★★✩✩
Value for money ★★★★★
Ambience ★★★★✩
Service ★★★✩✩