I've been coming to the Menier Chocolate Factory restaurant for years. I really enjoy eating here prior to a play or show. It has a rustic barebrick victorian look to it, which only adds to the atmosphere.
I've never had an meal from the Al la C.arte menu, as I find that the set menu is really good and ample (I have ahd the Classic Menier burger from this menu, but can't really classify that as A la Carte).
The good thing about the set menu, is that it is always themed against what is being performed at the theatre. As the show I was going to see was Stephen Sondheim's Assassins, the set menu was:
Starters-
Bang-bang chicken
Zangara's Minestrone soup
Main-
McKinley's Beef Carbonnade (with mash)
Bubble & Squeaky (with poached egg)
Dessert-
Death by Chocolate
Blood orange sorbet
In case your wondering, McKinley is suspected of trying to assasinate Franklin D Rooservelt and McKinley was the 25th US president, assasinated by Leon Czolgosz.
The price for this performance was £12 for 2 courses and £15 for 3. I managed to get the meal deal when I booked the show, which made it even cheaper.
I went for the Bang-bang chicken which had a delicious spicy salad to compliment the chicken. It was nice and light, which is just as well, as the main was very filling. I had the Beef Carbonnade. I also had a side of green vegetable selection, with a portion size enough for two. The two courses defeated me I had no room for a desert, not even a sorbet.
The service here is friendly and efficient, as most diners are against a show start deadline. I one organised a large group of people, and they blocked off the raised centre of the restaurant for our sole use. We were also able to return to have our dessert during the interval. I was very impressed.
You don'e have to see a play or show to dine here. I look forward to it everytime I return. It gets 5 stars from me for the food, service and excellent value. read more