I do so love a lunch invite. Big props to Emma C. for inviting me out yesterday to try this place (which had been "highly recommended" by a friend). Now, going to Market every week I must have walked past this place literally hundreds of times without ever giving it a try. The sign out front is a bit faded and it looks like it should be an apartment rather than a restaurant, but that's part of it's charm.
The interior is very darkly decorated. I imagine it's lovely of an evening (with candles on the tables and low lights giving it an intimate romantic feel), but in the day it was a little imposing. It's clean, the tables were all ready laid out and the staff were attentive enough when we arrived. It was clear we were in safe hands.
The menu revealed this to be quite an authentic Chinese. Between "Chicken Tongues" and other strange options there were beef, vegetarian and more regular dishes available (if, like me, you weren't feeling that adventurous at lunchtime). Between us, we ordered a special fried rice and noodles, Emma had a beef dish and I went for a aubergine and garlic hotpot. We were given complimentary prawn crackers to munch on while we were making our choices and waiting for food.
My aubergine dish was actually very good! Quite garlicky (which is how I like it) and in a huge portion. Served in a little tagine too, it really was an impressive dish. The special fried rice was... Ok. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything to shout about. I gathered Emma had a similar experience with her food too.
The service was fairly good consistently throughout the meal. There wasn't a long wait for our meal and we were checked on during it. We were never rushed to eat our food and get out of the venue (it was empty by the time we left), but with it being quite dark and imposing, you wouldn't want to stay -too- long anyway.
Our meal (with a cola for me and a water for emma) came to £30.70. It wasn't the cheapest of options, but I tend to find Chinese venues to not be the cheapest anyway. I would give it another go of an evening, but still might steer clear of the pigs trotters and more exotic options! read more