Rhodes W1 Brasserie

The Rhodes Patron Bar and Brasserie situated at the front of the Cumberland Hotel is the sister-dining offer at the same venue.Having given a fantastic rating for the Private Dining side of the Rhodes collection and scoring it a mind blowing "11 out of 10!" I was equally blown away by the "lighter side" to dining in the Patron Bar and Brasserie.

A very chic and modern bar and relaxation space with tables for two or couches sets off the prelude to dining in a well stocked and very comprehensive bar,which is lit beautifully in pastel shades alternating from cool blue to passionate pink.A very relaxed atmosphere is the order of the day and a most attentive staff are on board to advise on a vast range of cocktails priced around £9 or so.

My guest chose a Peach Bellini-which although not featured on the menu was recognised and made immediately by the cocktail waiter and I chose a Passion Fruit and very Caribbean styled cocktail as my aperitif.

After enjoying the calm and soothing ambience of the Bar my guest and I were led to the Brasserie.Where a veritable feast awaited.The menu is quite Modern-European in style and offer.

A choice of about 8 starters are available and all seem delicious,having debated what to choose my guest settled for Duck Rilette wrapped in Parma Ham with a "Reform" salad of beetroot,gherkin,pickled mushrooms and diced Ox tongue which is served with a port and redcurrant mustard dressing.(£8.80) It was splendid,a great mixture of colour and flavour,savoury,sweet and piquant withlots of delicious texture of duck and vegetables.

I chose the Scallops with white onions,caramelised shallots,parmesan,parsley and Jerusalem artichoke risotto with a red wine jus.At a very reasonable £10.75

Moving onto a vast main course selection,we again took "an age" to decide what to have.Eventually settling for -in my case-Whole Roast Trout stuffed with Pine Nuts,Semi-dried Tomatoes,Spinach and Bacon wrapped in Parma Ham in a Red wine and Port Syrup (£15.90).The fish was perfect,not a bone in sight to mar the proceedings and the flavours of the syrup complemented the tomato and spinach in a pleasant and unexpected way.

My guest plumped for Loin of Rabbit "Welington" (think of Rabbit like Beef Wellington and you are on the right lines!)which was braised,and formed of two of the more "meat-plentiful" parts of the Rabbit,the Leg and Shoulder joints which had been braised.This was served with Parisienne Potatoes in a White wine,Tarragon and Tomato Jus.(£16.90) For Sides Creamed Garlic Spinach and Buttered French Beans at a reasonable £3-£4 were chosen. It should be said that a range of Steaks are available as part of a Grill course of the Brasserie Menu.

Feeling quite full and after allowing or digestion a short rest we had to move onto dessert-It was either that or stay the night till we had slept off our feast!- I settled for a light Sorbet constructed of several varied flavours which was delicious. My guest chose Warm apple and Hazlenut Cake with Honey Caramel and SourCream Ice Cream. Both coming in at £6 each. Again delicious,light and ideal to finish off a filling meal.The other choices are Sticky Toffee Pudding,a Cheese Selection,various Ice Creams and Raspberry Souffle to name but a few-All between £6-£8.

For the wine we chose Red- the recommended Barolo,by the Somellier and it went incredibly well with all courses.(Including the fish,as I myself am generally a "white" wine person!)

A splendid evening,the Brasserie and Patron Bar is ideal to wind down and have a business meal,an end of day relax and treat great company in.

5/5 Excellent food,wine,ambience and service. Head to Rhodes's Brasserie- "en-masse-rie!"
Comment on this reader review

Terence Jolley
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Sunday, April 17, 2011

My boyfriend and I went here for Restaurant Week: we had high hopes but were served a strange pea soup (meant to be bubble and squeak soup), one chicken breast on its own with no sides as a main course (and we weren't advised to order sides nor were there sides available on the menu), and the puddings were fine, but fairly average.

We love visiting restaurants, but this visit was hugely disappointing. The restaurant was quiet, brightly lit, and the waitress topped up our wine glasses if they even brushed our lips - all in all it was a bit rushed and very poor.
Comment on this reader review

Laura
2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, March 24, 2010