I'd passed by the Riverside's striking painted brick-house exterior and wondered just what was inside. It's every bit as charming; spacious with a nice little bar at the front and several walk-through rooms for dining. It's a cosy pub with both comfort hearty food and scrumptious cocktails on the menu. You could quite easily lose track of time and cocktails, nestling by the tweed cushions.
I just can't not order a burger, it's like it's my foodie destiny. So, of course, if I try somewhere new, you bet that there's one just thing on my mind. I went for the burger with the addition of cheese. It wasn't a bad burger, hell no! But it wasn't the best I've had for several reasons. - The bun wasn't toasted, the cheese wasn't melted on to the patty, and the consistency of the meat wasn't the best, it was falling apart and it also lacked the juicy goodness of a seriously good burger. If I'd to rate the burger alone, it'd be 3 stars. BUT...the chips! Om nom nom. You know when you get double/triple/quadruple (delete as applicable!) chips and they just totally don't live up to that title? I know, right! But not at The Riverside where the twice-fried chips really are all that; crispy, seasoned to perfection, basically just heaven in potato form. - That's some five star chips right there, Riverside! Oh, and the accompanying relish was a real treat too.
There was just one thing on our minds after main course, and it had been since we laid eyes on the menu. I'm talking the SHARING DESSERT PLATTER, y'all. For £13, you can get yourself a devilishly sweet line-up of deserts. If you can resist the temptations of the almighty combo that is the chocolate pot with salted caramel popcorn, apple and blackberry crumble, sticky toffee pudding AND a helping of coconut ice cream fresh from the Stewart Tower Dairy, then that's just madness. Sheer madness. Oh, and there's butterscotch sauce and double cream to accompany this wonderful sugar-fest, oh yes.
WOAH. I tried to pick a favourite and I couldn't, it was all just far too good. - The choc pot texture was heavenly smooth, the sticky toffee pudding deliciously oozing and the coconut ice cream light and sweet. I've been dreaming about it all ever since, and I think I'll be dreaming it about till I have another and another and another.
Service was attentive and friendly too. I'll be swinging by the Riverside again, for sure! read more