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Al Fresco Season
- The Rainbow
The British climate is not an obsessive talking point for
nothing, so any brief that is dependent on unfailingly good
weather seems touchingly optimistic. Despite an uncharacteristic
spell of unbroken sunshine, the day scheduled to review the
outdoor dining experience at ‘The Rainbow’ reverted
very much to type. With menacing grey clouds overhead and
a distinct chill in the air, we soon made the decision to
stretch the definition of ‘al fresco’ dining.
After a brief tour of the roof terrace (which had to be unlocked
for the purpose), lunch was consumed securely within the boundaries
of four walls and a roof. The front door was slightly ajar,
if that helps.
Despite six of us being present, we entirely failed to do
justice to the breadth of the menu. This was nothing to do
with the selection on offer and everything to do with some
rather unimaginative decision-making. Ordering was divided
evenly between portions of chips and ‘Haddock, lime
and potato cakes with crispy bacon, guacamole and tomato salad’
from the Specials board. I was in the latter camp and was
so taken by the fresh, zesty flavour that I failed to notice
the absence of crispy bacon. Although, this might have had
more to do with the distraction of Dave’s story about
some sunglasses, a dog and a case of mistaken identity. (See
editor’s introduction for more). Most dishes are priced
at around £6, ranging from comforting local cider and
apple sausages and potato hash to chicken, peach and spring
onion salad for those much talked about sunny lunchtimes.
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