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I've reviewed Le Mercury before, but restaurants can change quite quickly, and it is our duty to keep them on their toes. It's a filthy job, but somebody's got to do it. I started with a rich and delicious slice of foie gras, and E had smoked chicken. It was lunchtime, we were hungry and they brought a basket of lovely fresh bread, while we waited for our starters - well, what were we supposed to do with it ? Knit a cardigan ? By the time my lamb and E's fishcakes arrived, along with a selection of vegetables for me and a big salad for her, there wasn't much bread left. Something I regretted as soon as I saw the size of the serving - three great chunks of lean lamb, and a healthy side serving of vegetables, which included some excellent roasted carrots.
Despite my very best endeavors, the plates did not go back empty. So we sat there, replete, like, and E says to me "Are you having a dessert, then ?" "Oh, no, couldn't possibly" I reply, but she knows me better than that. It's all a charade, really, we both know the next line. Indeed, we chant it in unison:
"Well, let's just have a look at the menu"
Somehow or other she got a creme brulee, which was everything a little burnt cream should be, and I got a chocolate tart. It was OK, but had been described on the menu as "dark chocolate" when it was more the colour and flavour of Milk Tray, the only mildly disappointing item of the meal.
Service is quick, professional and pleasant, food is freshly prepared in generous portions and prices very reasonable - with a coffee each the whole thing came to £34.10 before service, which is not included. Le Mercury has been on the same premises for many years, and every time I walk past it's always busy. I wonder why !
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