We could’ve outstayed welcome

WALKING into The Hart Street Tavern in Henley, we immediately felt welcome.

With the cosy atmosphere, twinkly festive lights and chill-out music in the background, we instantly relaxed into a long dinner (our five-year-old daughter was given a colouring sheet to entertain her).

It was nice and quiet to start with as it was early but the spacious restaurant gradually became busier as the evening went on.

My husband started with the chicken strips which were so tender that our daughter was pinching them, thinking they were gourmet chicken nuggets.

I had the saltpig charcuterie, which I recommend as a sharing platter as it was very generous and filling with the deep-fried brie and truffle honey dip.

Our daughter had the garlic bread but it was a bit too garlicky for a five-year-old but we polished it off as it was delicious.

She then had the ham pizza and was happy. My main was the delicate pan-fried sea bream with curried risotto, a rather unusual combination but combined with herb oil yogurt and salty samphire, it was fantastic.

My husband knows what he likes and went for the large rib-eye steak which disappeared faster than I could say bon appétit. I guess that says it all.

We had a glass each of rosé and white wine from the extensive wine list.

After two courses, we were full but intrigued by the Earl Grey crème brulée, so just had to share one.

This was quirky with palmier on top, which I didn’t fancy fighting my daughter for.

With an extra one in her hands, we left thinking that we would return soon — perhaps on our next date night when we wouldn’t have to leave earlier than we wanted.

Timea Lody