OTS News had the pleasure to recently be invited to sample the new menu at the Lansdowne Bistro.
This family-run gem is nestled away in the heart of Southport town centre on Anchor Street and provides a wonderfully relaxed and welcoming setting to dine in.
With restaurants across the country forced to adapt following the coronavirus outbreak, the Lansdowne is no exception. Head Chef and joint owner Patrick Tyndall has now been joined at the Lansdowne by former Firepit manager Jamie Rae, and the menu changes have worked an absolute treat.
High on the list of improvements is a more diverse drinks list, with the restaurant now offering a broader range of wines, gins and cocktails.
Head Chef Patrick lists his main speciality as the preparation of fresh seafood, namely Lobster Thermidor and seafood platters, as well as game meat when in season. The restaurant has also recently introduced shearing steaks.
Offering both English and Continental cuisine you would be remiss not to sample one of their fresh seafood dishes on your visit.
Upon arrival we were shown to our table and given a serving of complimentary bread and butter to enjoy whilst perusing the drinks menu and taking in our surroundings.
The restaurant felt well-spaced out with ample room between tables to conform to social distancing and gave a very intimate feel to the experience.
We started off with the duck liver pate, served with warm bread, salad and redcurrant jelly and the crab bisque. The pate was fresh and tasty with the jelly a perfect complement, neither too tart nor too sweet. The crab bisque was divine. Deep and rich without being too overpowering, it had just a hint of spice to lift the dish and give a little heat with each delicious mouthful.
For the mains we both couldn’t resist the fillet steak. Cooked to perfection and served with peppercorn sauce, vegetables and a choice of potatoes, (we opted for the French fries) it was a truly melt in the mouth experience.
We both enjoy our steak cooked differently but each was presented exactly as ordered, one rare and one well done. The fries were so fresh and tasty, there must be a secret ingredient added somewhere along the line!
Just when we thought the meal had peaked, along came the showstopper, a trio of deserts. Presented like a sweet, edible work of art, it almost seemed a shame to dig our spoons in! Vanilla cheesecake, a chocolate pot with a deep raspberry coulee and ice cream with fresh fruit served in a brandy snap basket, we were in pudding heaven.
All in all, we had a wonderful evening and enjoyed top quality food in a charming setting. If you haven’t visited The Lansdowne Bistro yet make sure you add it to your list. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.