Guildhall Tavern, The

Terry (19 November 2008)

This is a superb seafood restaurant run by a charming young couple. The maître d’hôtel duties are performed in a brilliant combination between Severine and Sebastian. They are very efficient and professional, but with that elusive friendly personal touch, which is without exception applicable to all of the staff. It has all the hallmarks of a family run French restaurant that takes great pleasure in the clients eating experience. The menu includes many classic French favourites including a mini bouillabaisse as a starter. There is always a specials board available with some exciting dishes that pop up from time to time, amongst them my favourites are the crab brûlée and skate terrine. The chef Frederic produces a wonderful well balanced menu from a superb range of fresh locally sourced fish/seafood, and his Southern French origins shine through in presentation and flair. The wine selection is varied and reasonably priced with particular premier cru Rose wines from the South of France, usually available to complement the seafood. There is a monthly French evening, which is great fun and many novel experiences can be had including a cheese called ‘Monks Head’, which is shaved off using a rotating cutter. This is a locally known treasure found by recommendation. My wife and I drive some seventy miles in a round trip to enjoy the food.