At first, the thought of eating at LBP filled me with horror, and not just at the thought of the bill at the end of the evening. But you have to try things and that is just what I did last night.
From the outisde its a goldfish bowl which surprisingly isnt a problem for diners even on a Saturday evening. The greeting staff are courteous, remembered we had a reservation, took coats with charm and seated us exactly on time.
The menu arrived, was easy to read and the stff very helpful at expanding on the dishes - they knew their stuff. Additional specials were available on the Board (pity it was a single board) and on staff notepads. I ordered a Caesar salad to start ( £5.95). It arrived, was well presented but realy should have been re named - there was no anchovy in sight and some chunks of (very nice) ham had appeared in it. For my taste there wasnt enough dressing but staff looked so busy I didnt send it back and ask for more. My eating companions had Gazpacho soup(£3.95) and Goats cheese ( very mild) salad (ataround £5) both of which were excellent.
Moving on to the main course I avoided the good selection of fish dishes or rack of lamb in a herb crust and had ham, mushroom crepes with a cream and kirsch sauce. It was delicious, rich and very filling. The additional well cooked ratatouille wasnt really necessary as our additional vegetable. there was a good range of tasty vegetarian dishes and some adaptability - the crepes could have been served without the ham. The girls had scollops ( delicious but a surprisingly small portion) and tenderloin of pork on mashed potatote (said to be gorgeous).I avoided pudding but the choclate soonge with pistachio ice cream went down the other 2 very quickly.
Finally coffees all round were generous for the latte and excellent for the filter coffee - and at only £1.50 each with mini chocolate sponges and nougat as petit fours, that was a bargain.
The surroundings, which make or break a restaurant, were of a very busy, at times noisey hall. The atmosphere was good with very mixed selection fo paying guests ranging from the great unwashed ( must have been arty folk- a small minority, you know who you are) to the very "media moghul" types. Several skimpily clad females (some of whoms clothes were less skimpy than they were - meooowww) and ordinary folk looking for a good meal for a special occasion. If you are going, and i do recommend it for everyone just once at least and more often if you like nice food, then dont look too much as if you have spent hours getting ready - for ladies summer dress and strappy shoes would be very middle of the road for a Saturday night but hankerchief top and trousers would also fit in. For men, short sleeved shirt and trousers ( of course) but if you go in a blue shirt be prepared to be confused with the waiters - I accosted two diners over the evening because cloning was apparent.
The bill for 3 including bottle of cheaper ( but not house - that was £11 per bottle) wine - £100 for 3 startes, 3 main courses, one additional vegetable dish, 2 puddings and 3 coffees with 1 bottle of wine and 2 bottles of mineral water ( the latter at £2.50 each was a bit of a nonsense).
Car parking - street opposite or NCP right next door. No problems for wheelchair users - all on ground floor.
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Nice review I liked the 'catty' comments. Having dined there a lot I quite like the busy atmosphere you're right about the price but some things are worth paying for and I've always had a great if somewhat expensive time there. Have you ever been to Le Toq D'or? terrible place and even more expensive have a look at my review of it.
meday 03.09.2001 13:36
Having dined in LPB in Cheltenham I have to agree that the food and service were excellent. Rather pricey though I would imagine (thanks goodness it was a company dinner). Good op, reminded me of a nice evening.
Connoisseur_Haggler 02.09.2001 11:59
I've been here!! It's amzing how Brindley Place has developed so much, a superb opinion which illustrates the restaurant beautifully, thank you -CH
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