Sanctum

Gary Bentley (14 February 2007)

My wife and I booked a meal at this restaurant as it participates in the Gourmet Society scheme and was well reviewed in their guide. We booked for the day prior to Valentine's Day (to miss the usual hustle and bustle quite often experienced on this day). When we arrived, we found we were the only diners there, but didn't feel conspicuous due to the friendly reception and attention from the waiter and the relaxed lighting and surroundings. We both had aromatic crispy duck for the starter which was good - not the best I've had but perfectly fine. The main course was medallions of beef in béarnaise sauce with chunky chips and spinach, which was excellent, the chips being the best I've ever had- crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. As sides to this we had green beans and carrots cooked in a herb (can't remember which one, sorry) and these again were very tasty. The beef medallions were excellent- tender and very tasty. To accompany the meal we chose a Chilean Merlot which I think was the cheapest on the menu at £12.50, but was a pretty good wine - I've had much worse at prices well above this. For the desserts, I plumped for white chocolate parfait with raspberry coulis- very nice indeed- light and not too rich, just right. My wife chose the treacle tart with Chantilly cream, again delicious. To finish we both had coffees which were also very good. The waiter was excellent - very attentive but not in your face, so to speak. Highly recommended and we will definitely be paying them another visit!