Friday 20 April 2007

The Angel on the Bridge. Henley On Thames, Oxfordshire



Brrrrrr, mid October and the evening weather has changed from a convivial late summer breeze into a definite hardy Autumnal chill. Following a short and breath snapping walk along the river in Henley, my partner and I were especially glad to finally reach the glowing lights at The Angel on the Bridge River Restaurant. Stepping inside we removed gloves and scarves, to find it warm, inviting and friendly and before you know it we were perched merrily at the bar, glass of wine in hand, ravenously appraising the menu to the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald.
This restaurant is welcoming and homely with deep berry-red walls, and snow white linen, each table having a pretty candlelit glass lanterns and a posy of fresh flowers. Out of the window we enjoyed the moving riverscape and were delighted when we were entertained by a softly lit Dragon Boat out on the river in full practise – only in Henley!
Whilst the restaurant can be as intimate as required, the Angel also offers booths with huge sociable tables for larger groups or families. The well planned menu here changes every few months. Offers excellent choices and accommodates meat eaters, fish lovers and vegetarians alike. Starters are all offered at £5pp and offer dishes such as a parmesan salad, devilled whitebait, lemon and granary bread or perhaps roasted jerk chicken wings with cucumber yogurt. After much deliberation I opted for whole grilled flat mushrooms with pecorino cheese and sage. The mushrooms were so succulent, the heat making the Italian cheese continue to melt beautifully and the two textures together were delicious. My partner went for the more spicy sounding Chilean prawn piri-piri with caper berries, which arrived in an appealing simple terracotta earthenware dish; he declared them flavoursome and delectable. These are the perfect size starters, leaving you satisfied, yet anticipating the main course.
Seasonal warmers like Wild boar sausages, mashed potato and white onion sauce, Moules marinieres or Grilled swordfish steak with lemon, parsley and garlic the main courses are priced between £9 and £14pp and include vegetables or salad and potatoes. Wanting something hearty and rich, I immediately went for the calves liver, streaky bacon, and red onion marmalade, which was just perfect, the bacon welding the flavours together. My partner chose the leg of lamb steak with honey, redcurrant and fresh ginger, which he said was an interesting combination and promptly ate with great relish. We shared the side dishes of broccoli with cheese sauce, crispy noisette and new potatoes and salad. Although our hunger really had been satisfied, we were presented with the choices of dessert. Well… it would be rude not to! Even though I had congratulated myself on by-passing the Chocolate pudding, I was soon tackled and pulled down the Sticky toffee pudding as my partner gleefully ordered his favourite treacle tart, both with custard. Gorgeous, hot, puddings, real comfort food, just what the doctor ordered on a cold night!
Wandering back out into the wintry night we were now warmed to the bone, and full of good food. Henley no longer felt cold and bleak, but picturesque and charming once more.
The Angel on this bridge, is more than just a port in a storm on a cold wintry evening, it really is a haven of good food and divinely unpretentious surroundings where you can sit and share food and life with lovers and friends and catch up on the gossip. It has lots of spirit and is fortunate enough to be blessed with a heavenly atmosphere.

Fondue starts next week, Classic Swiss cheese £3.75 pp
Chicken or Beef £6.95 pp -Both served with new potatoes & salad and sauces -Chocolate & nut with shortcake and fruit £3.75 pp
New Years Eve party Arabian nights book early! Special -Bottle of house wine with every two main courses from Monday 27th Oct ordered from the main evening menu.

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