THE TERRACE bar and restaurant has brought new life to an area of Leamington which had long been in desperate need of a shot in the arm.
The historic Victoria Terrace building, across the River Leam from the Royal Pump Rooms, was an eyesore. It had stood empty and neglected for many years, but fortunately its potential was recognised by the new owners who carried out a major renovation to create a stylish and contemporary bar and restaurant, but one which also stays true to the rich heritage of the building.
The outdoor colonnade covered seating area, complete with heaters, is also a wonderful addition given its prominent position.
Barely a year after opening, The Terrace can already claim to be one of Leamington’s most popular destinations – and with a wide range of ages judging by those dining when we visited on a busy Saturday night, when customers can also enjoy live entertainment.
The popularity of The Terrace is down to many factors, but they can be collectively summed up by attention to detail. There was truly nothing that we found which appeared to have been overlooked.
Of course, even a major facelift is going to nothing for a restaurant if it does not have a decent menu. That is certainly not a problem for The Terrace which delivers inspired informal fine dining, and during these difficult economic times, it should be noted, at very good value for money.
Modern British and European dishes, with a few from further afield, are delivered with real panache. Every ingredient earns its place on every perfectly balanced plate served.
We started with a beautifully fresh Crab Cake served with a perfectly cooked poached egg, married with Florentine cream, capers and lemon zest, together with equally impressive Pesto Garlic Prawns in a creamy basil pesto alongside herb-drenched couscous. As an extra side we could not resist sharing the melt-in-the mouth Three Cheese Arancini balls.
For mains we opted for the Braised Lamb Shank which was served with a mild spice Asian potato mash. The latter was something completely new to us but it proved a natural complement to the perfectly cooked lamb. We also chose the Roast Sea Bass, a favourite with many diners we were told, which was served with equally inspired crushed potatoes with olives.
There are clearly some very clever culinary minds at work in the kitchen, ones who present their dishes at their flavourful best, from meat to vegetarian and vegan options.
Satisfied as many will certainly be with two courses, the dessert menu will prove hard to say no to, certainly judging by the Mousse au Chocolat with berry compote.
The bar menu is extensive, from hand crafted and classic cocktails to a small, but carefully selected wine list, together with a range of draught and bottled beers from across Europe, a comprehensive selection of spirits, liqueurs, teas, coffees and more.
We enjoyed a couple of cocktails – a refreshing Laffites Defeat (rum, lime, pineapple juice and ginger) and a zingy Lychee Martini (vodka, lychee liqueur, lychee puree, sweet vermouth and lychee syrup) – while we paired our main with a berry-rich French Seachange malbec.
A mention must also go to the serving staff, who are attentive without being over-bearing, and clearly have a good knowledge of the menu, which many other establishments could do with taking heed of.
Open seven days a week, The Terrace also serves Sunday lunch and Afternoon Teas, making it a more than welcome addition to Leamington’s burgeoning dining scene.
Visit www.theterrace.uk to book and for further details.
