Went to dinner here last night with a group of seven. We were immediately welcomed by the charming Alec who is brother to the owner, Jai. As we'd made reservations, some tables were already pushed together to accomodate our party and Alec offered to either hang our coats or said we could keep them with us.
The decor in the Orange Elephant is tastefully modern, but still has that warm, cozy feel. Each table had a small copper bowl with a tea light inside and large carafes of cucumber water were brought to the table along with our menus.
Dinner for £20 is a set menu and includes a yummy rocket salad with pecans and shaved parmesan, a 12 oz. steak with a delicious sauce, and a pile of perfectly fried chips. Optional sides include truffle mac and cheese (it was mouth-watering) and the delightfully named "Cheese & Trees" which was broccoli & cauliflower in a cheese sauce. Both are pleasingly served in little stone crocks.
For lunch goers, the same menu is offered except with a 6 oz. steak and a glass of wine and is a bargain at £10.
The steaks are cooked to order on three Green Eggs and have a smokey taste to them. While I'll admit the strip cut is not my favorite, my steak was tender and flavorful and the house-made sauce a perfect compliment.
The drinks menu was varied with even some "mocktails" included which I appreciated since I, sigh, gave up alcohol for Lent. I ended up drinking a Fever-Tree ginger beer, though, and it was so wonderfully refreshing that I almost didn't miss the wine.
I want to mention a few other things that I noticed and really appreciated. First, between the salad and the main course, our flatware was actually changed out which happens rarely today except at the most expensive restaurants. Second, there were two ladies rooms and only one for the guys! Fantastic! The ladies room I used was very clean with all modern plumbing.
We really liked the music playing which Alec said he had chosen. My group was all 50+ and we grooved to the soulful sounds of the 70's that we'd all grown up with.
All in all, we all just had a wonderful evening. We enjoyed meeting Alec and Jai who were really lovely in every way. I wish them great success. read more