Hillside restaurant

I came here last Friday with my friend and her mum. She’s lucky enough to live right next door. Lovely décor, great service, Friday night saw us being entertained by a jazz singer and guitarist. It was pleasant enough. We opted for three courses for £35. It was nice but I wasn’t blown away. Seafood cocktail, nice. Thai Green monkfish curry. Swimming in veg and served in a cast iron dish. Very very hot. Sauce quite watery. I was worried about splash back. Chen’s sirloin steak looked nice. Dessert was lovely. I had a chocolate fondant. Very rich. Chen had sorbet and mum etonmess. Cocktails were good (although i can’t remember what we had not that memorable). £44 for three courses and a cocktail (included) plus a glass of prosecco. Not bad but won’t write home.

We like the Hillside — it’s a converted antique shop, with the atmosphere of a place of consequence. Well it is a listed building! There are tables and alcoves, beams and flagstone floors — and also great food. They say «Modern takes on old classics» — I’d say a menu that references the traditional and delivers recognisable dishes that taste fresh and thoughtfully embellished. The people are polite and genuinely dedicated to an enjoyable experience. If you can’t do a main meal — then drop by for afternoon tea or brunch.
Enough –this is sounding like an advert — but then we’d go there again… and again.