In the premises formerly occupied by Mange2 , this well-located restaurant may seem familiar but the fresh soft green exterior hints at the other changes made by proprietor/chef, Adrian Catterall and his wife, Joanne – although the space is basically the same, the carpets and dark surfaces are gone and everything is brightly painted, making it seem more spacious.
The small bar area has been opened up too, some block prints add interest to plain walls and the darkwood tables have light coloured runners (except on Saturday nights, when they are set more formally with white linen), all coming together to make a bright and welcoming space.
Well known in the Derry area from his time in several well known kitchens, Adrian has a following of loyal customers who appreciate the combination of good cooking and value - and, whilst this is his first crack at running his own restaurant, the feeling is that he will succeed.
Even midweek off-season, most tables are likely to be taken at lunch time with a mixture of shoppers, visitors and local business people enjoying the wholesome, flavoursome food – everything from ‘light bites’ (including brunch dishes) and wraps, to a choice of ten mains ranging from wild mushroom, bacon & creamy leek risotto to traditional steak, mushroom and onion pie with creamed potato.
The food is flavoursome and carefully cooked - an excellent seafood chowder, for example, has plenty of fish and very good flavour and texture and is served with good home made bread, such as a nice sundried tomato and parmesan loaf.
Attention to detail shows in small but important things, such as good coffees, too – and, mindful of the value of customers’ time, you can ring in with an order to collect or have it ready to sit down to when you arrive.
Honestly worded à la carte menus offer starters such as steamed Donegal mussels with white wine sauce or five spice duck leg with cranberry & red onion marmalade, while well balanced main courses include several fish dishes and a strong vegetarian choice as well as a good meat selection - with fillet of beef with Donegal boxty cake and roast garlic jus at the top of the range, at about £21.95.
Good desserts such as a gooey warm chocolate fondant with pistachio ice and crème anglaise are all one price (£4.95).
Friendly staff take time to chat to customers (they seem to have worked with Adrian before, as there’s a sense of a readymade team who get on well), and - always a good sign - people leaving are noticeably complimentary.
A moderately priced wine list offers five reds and five whites, £11.95-18.50; 1/4 bottles £3.95 – choice of 2 white, 2 red, 1 rosé.
Seats 50. L Tue-Fri 12-2.30 & High Tea/D Tue-Sun 5.30-10. Sat High Tea & D 5.30-9.45; Sun High tea and à la carte menu, 4-9pm. House wine £12.95; air conditioning. High Tea Special Tue-Sat 5.30-7: 2 courses £10.95, or meal for 2 plus bottle of wine £26. Closed Mon, Sat L, Sun L.
