Phoenix, The

Located but a few stone's throws from the austere portals of Royal London the Phoenix is well able to offer its own architectural dignity to the scene, spread over an impressive three storey building, with an exterior appearance that invites closer inspection from within.

Part of a small group of mainly former public houses that have been skilfully converted into modern premises which retain more than a breath of their colourful past, The Phoenix offers swift service to the local business community during the day, replaced with a more relaxed approach in the evening.

Head Chef Mihad Lawal works from a menu that concentrates on the familiar, with starters, for instance, of chicken and chorizo skewers with roasted pepper herb dressing, tiger prawns and pumpkin rice with sweet chilli and garlic sauce, and stuffed roast pepper with spinach, mushrooms and Roussas feta. Main might include pan fried duck breast and compote of duck leg with sweet potatoes cake and chilli jam sauce; pan fried scallops wrapped in speck, served with sautéed Savoy cabbage and crispy bacon.

Cumberland sausage is served with spring onion mash and tomato chutney, offering a humbler alternative to the confit duck leg with sweet potato chips and sweet chilli sauce. For pasta lovers there could be penne with wild mushroom, cherry tomatoes and sweet basil pesto. Puddings follow much the same pattern, with an apple and rhubarb crumble with custard competing with chocolate fondant, tiramisu, crème brûlée or banoffee pie.

The express lunch service has a novel approach to a daily concern, served on a slate with sliced smoked salmon with beetroot and apple salsa on Norfolk crunch slice or pot roasted British lamb shank with buttered mash and seasonal vegetables. Those who have a little time to spare could design their own salad at the salad bar or choose from the menu for snacks and heartily portioned meals.

Their excellent Website should prove to be a helpful source for further information, and also for obtaining details on the other outlets in the Geronimo Inns chain.