Much like my beloved Bar San Juan, The Parlour is a popular staple on Beech Road in Chorlton. It was once voted as having the best Sunday roast in Britain by the Observer food magazine, after which its visitors numbers – and associated hipster attitude – increased ten-fold.
It had, until recently, been somewhere I’d only visited for drinks. But a recent piece of good news and a last-minute decision to go out for dinner landed me in its lap. And boy, am I glad it did.
The service was a little scatty, although very friendly. The waitress told us they were serving a new menu, so she had no clue what the ‘brandade’ actually was on the starter selection, but a quick Google told us that it was a Spanish-style dip made of salt cod and olive oil. Say no more.
The texture of this dish was what I can only describe as being the most delicious paste I’ve ever eaten. Thick and slightly gloopy, it was the most perfect combination of salt and fat; if only there had been little more bread to mop it up with. Hopefully this won’t be the last time I’m eating brandade.
Main course was an easy choice for me, the fish and chip addict. Battered hake with minted peas, thick cut chips and a homemade tartare sauce.
I can say only good things about this take on a British classic; every component part was cooked to perfection. It’s a rare day for me when peas are a highlight of the meal, but chefs really seem to be stepping up their pea game these days (I even read about it in Waitrose magazine, so it must be true) and this plateful was no exception.
After two winning dishes, I proceeded with caution when ordering dessert – surely we couldn’t be lucky enough to hit a hat-trick?
I went for the warm chocolate brownie, which arrived with an orange-flavoured cream that hadn’t been mentioned on the menu but which brought the whole dish together perfectly. Again, a fairly classic recipe that had been turned up a notch by The Parlour’s kitchen team.
Husband had the homemade Eccles cake. Despite being someone who despises raisins, I must admit I had a little pang of food envy when his plate arrived and I saw the delicate puff pastry and little jug of cream. The warm cake was stuffed with seasoned fruit and was promptly polished off in under a minute. I guess good things really do come in small packages.
After such an experience, I highly doubt this will be my last visit to The Parlour Chorlton. It’s providing good quality, well-cooked pub grub in a village that is sorely lacking in that department. And the wine list ain’t half bad either.
- 60 Beech Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9EG
- Open daily, Noon – 11pm
Another great review, thanks!