Forburys

Forbury's Restaurant is situated in the central square of a modern development opposite Forbury Garden in the centre of Reading; it has achieved many positive reviews since it opened along with a recommendation from Michelin in 2008, two AA Rosettes and inclusion in Harden's Top Ten Restaurants for 2007. The restaurant has been created by Xavier Le-Bellego whose name has become associated with fine food and dining.

Xavier has worked with the internationally famous Raymond Blanc, John Burton Race and Albert Roux before managing The Red House near Newbury where he received the coveted "Gastro Pub of the Year" title for two consecutive years.

Forbury's offers unfussy renditions of modern French and British cuisines and some of the dishes that emerge from the kitchen could be omelette Arnold Bennett, sauce vierge, sole meuniere or fillet of Angus beef Wellington with sauce Bordelaise and gratin dauphinois. Xavier passionately believes that "good fresh food does not have to be expensive" and this reflected in the menu admirably.

The modern and stylish restaurant is fully air conditioned and in addition to the main dining area offers a private dining room, which can seat up to sixteen, and a seating area on the terrace outside where diners on fine days can enjoy the pleasant outlook over Forbury Garden. The restaurant is open from 9.30 each day from Monday to Saturday and also for Sunday lunch.

The highly regarded à la carte menu offers starters such as terrine of foie gras, ham hock and toasted brioche; brochette of hand dived scallops with celeriac puree and lentils or confit organic salmon, horseradish cream and caviar. Main courses could include slow cooked pig's trotter with sweetbreads, morel, cream potato and Madeira jus; whole roasted plaice with ragout of cockles and mussels or grilled Scottish rib eye steak with girolles, shallots and peppercorn sauce.

Don't miss the enticing range of desserts that include orange and Grand Marnier soufflé with ice cream; vanilla rice pudding with prune and Armagnac sauce or a pistachio and olive oil cake with roasted fig and orange mascarpone.

The market menu is good value for money and is available for lunch and dinner. Some of the options there are smoked haddock and pea risotto with ruby chard and rosemary oil, followed by pan fried fillet of salmon with polenta, tomato and basil, chive beurre blanc, finishing with iced coffee and vanilla parfait with cocoa sauce and tuiles; there is a choice of three dishes in each course.

Whether it is good food or wine, the French are not too far from it, and Forburys's wine list which features around 240 wines from across the world has been mentioned in the AA Notable Wine List for 2008. Some of these wines are available by the glass and are a fantastic accompaniment to the meal or just on their own too.

During the evening they are able to offer secure underground parking, however, this must be booked in advance when you book your table. For more information on everything from private dining, the wine list and latest menus, do have a look at their comprehensive Website.