This is my second time dropping in for a meal with no reservation. Despite arriving 10 minutes before the kitchen opens and a restaurant which is absolutely empty I'm told that they are full and I can't be accommodated with a table. This is mildly annoying given the above, but I'm told by a very charming bar tender that they will serve the full menu in the pub side. This is good news. Where as the restaurant appears sterile, the pub side has a bit more charm.
I order the salmon accompanied by a salsa of gin & tonic celery and capers and order a side of greens. The salmon is cooked to PERFECTION and the celery/caper salsa is a revelation. A tad sweet, very fresh, with a satisfying crunch and a tart and salty finish. I'm extremely impressed by the greens, which are a melange of brocoli rabe and green beans which still are croquant and have a wholesome spring garden taste.
On the whole Hawkyns is supercilious, but the food IS excellent. read more