The Church Green is clearly a cut above the rest. The food we had last night was amazing! The 4 of us agreed the steaks were the best steaks we've ever tasted!It was the best meal I have had in a long long time! I would highly recommend the Rib-eye, the mussels were amazing and the orange and olive cake was the best cake I've ever tasted! I can't forget to mention the friendly and very professional staff who looked after us so well. Last but certainly not least - the cocktails! Delicious!This restaurant is so versatile, good for a bite to eat outside in the garden, a fresh and tasty lunch or early dinner with the kids, an affordable mid-week dinner and something special at the weekend!Definitely going back!
The Truffler
Many moons and meals ago, before Chefs began to believe their own publicity, restaurant reviews were part of my stock in trade. Now out to grass I watch with increasing horror as narcissism spreads like a plague among our young British chefs and drags the restaurant industry further and further away from reality. Who said self praise is no recommendation? This new British disease is evident across the social spectrum - in sport, in politics, in restaurants - it is undermining standards and levels of achievement. The recent world cup fiasco in which we talked the English team up before they kicked a ball ended in shame when the multi million pound stars failed miserably. The same fate awaits the modern British chef/restaurateur if they don't quickly return to basics. Customer was, and is, king not to be treated like a member of an audience paying for the privilege of enjoying the chefs celebrity. We ate as a family out to enjoy a birthday evening at The Church Green. I had read the reviews but couldn't square the reality of the experience with the hype. Is this a restaurant or a pub? What is it? How do you equate scrubbed wooden tabletops with the kind of prices charged in London's West End? Setting aside the genuine flashes of skillful cooking the harsh reality was one lonely scallop cooked to extinction on a rough and ready sauce vierge - £15. A 3/4 ounce starter size piece of turbot overcooked, dried out and served with a tasteless single, tiny ravioli masquerading as a gnocchi- £32. Stale pre-cooked and reheated chips with a pot pourri of kilner potted accompaniments on a rough wooden board that filled the table delivered seriously ordinary rib of beef with a lick of synthetic sauce - £29.50. And so on and so forth..... Each dish was a disaster. A room devoid of atmosphere, a drab dreary space bereft of any trace of taste and to cap it all the ridiculous nonsense of serving food on a series of rough-edged slates designed for roofing purposes with no regards to hygiene, suitability or aesthetic. This is the work of someone who puts style and trend above practicality, serviceability and customer amenity. Not a shred of elegance in sight Aiden may be a genuinely good cook but that doesn't make him a good restaurateur or a good manager. If he is to make it he needs to rethink the whole concept of Church Green - throw out the baloney and bull shit and do what I am told he is good at - cooking! There were some saving graces - the service was adequate, if a tad amateurish, and the wine list better than passable with some good offerings but the food - oh my word the food - what a sad experience. I wasn't paying which made the pain even more exquisite since I couldn't complain and make my feelings known at the time. Don't ever forget that bad news travels much faster than good and disappointed customers can talk a business to death.
Baker
I booked this restaurant as a special birthday on the 18th of December 2009 treat and was very disappointed. When we arrived the place was freezing, we moved three times, before finding a seat next to a radiator, which was still not warm enough. We mentioned this to the staff, but just got excuses about the place being old and it being cold outside! We looked around and other people had their coats on their knees!! The food was very mediocre. Neither my partner or I finished our main course as we both found it bland. As the menu was very expensive over £130.00 including wine we commented that we were not happy. The response was not what we expected. We were advised that the food we received was what they cook, take it or leave it. Not what you would expect from what is supposedly a top quality restaurant. Our special evening was spoilt and if it hadn't have been so close to Xmas we would have left and found an alternative restaurant. Needless to say we will not be going back and do not recommend this restaurant.
Retaurant Trawler
I had a meal last night at the Church Green and it was without doubt the best meal i have had in the north this year. I eat out all the time and this place for me is number one for food.
It has a lovely relaxed, warm atmosphere and the staff were very welcoming and knew the menu inside out.
I had the Duck which was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth. My partner had the Veal and again it was perfect. If you are a foody you need to visit this place - it is a must!
Liz Taylor
I visited the Church Green for the first time Saturday lunch time two weeks ago to find a buzzing atmosphere, polite and friendly staff and a warm welcome. I hadn't booked and so was really lucky to get one of the three empty tables. The menu choice was excellent with both a Bar and A la Carte menu, talk about spoilt for choice. I decided on the fish and chips, beautiful fish, perfectly cooked with a chrisp batter, served with mushy peas (just like Grandma used to make) and a small jar of the most 'tantalizing tartar' I've ever tried... Couldn't resist the puddings either and had I got room would have had two. An extensive wine list is available with many by the glass and all are reasonably priced. Definitely my new 'Fave Rave''... You must visit, and once you've booked, you'll definitely be hooked... hooked..Yum
Paul
I was lucky enough to have a meal here, and what a meal it was. The venison starter is a must have. I came with a friend and we shared the latest offering, the rib of Aged Galloway Beef, which words cannot describe the wonderful flavours!!
But it's not just the food that is wonderful, the wine list boast some great wines, the Malbec went great with our meal, and the after dinner selection of drinks is one to be rivalled!
We're already looking forward to our next visit!
Adam
After watching Aiden on Saturday Kitchen and hearing that he was representing the North West in great British menu this year we visited the church green on Friday evening.
I had Aiden's recommended dish of Veal, WOW what more can i say, i have never tasted so much flavors in my life.
It was lovely to get to meet both Aiden & Sarah after dinner & hear of there exciting plans for the place.
Nicnic
The venison starter was very good. Unfortunately the rest of the food was average/below average for the price and the atmosphere wasn't great either. Shame, was disappointed overall. Had been highly recommended. Maybe it was just an off night. But for £50 per head it shouldn't have been. And that was with only one bottle of wine and two desserts between four. Think you'll find food to equal this nearer to home, easily. Save the taxi fare.
Misty
I had an awesome meal here last night. i had the venison starter and pork belly main course, and an amazing banana sponge for pud. I've already booked a table for valentine's!
Everybody should try it xxx
bill
what a surprise, a pub, a modern bar, a restaurant and great outside area all combined. food top class food prices to suit all and home made. modern iced beers just like being on holiday. entertainment nights. plenty wine and champagne choice even by the glass. used by personalities and footballers.