A Visit to the Angel

Since it reopened about three years ago I have heard mixed reports of the Angel. The rooms are supposed to be very nice - but as I live just round the corner I don't have much need of them. I have heard sometimes that the food is very good and sometimes that it is very bad. I have found my own visits there to be pretty disappointing so far. But there have been a couple of changes of management since I last gave it a try so it seemed like it was time to give it another chance. Initially I thought I was in for yet another poor experience. The wait at the bar to be served was a bit prolonged, and there was nobody eating even though it was gone 12.30. The radio was on rather loudly which give the impression that it was there to entertain the staff rather than create an ambiance. I thought about giving up there and then. But before I did a very pleasant barmaid appeared and served us. We had the choice of tables, but within a few minutes of sitting down several other tables were taken and there were enough people to get some atmosphere going. The menu looked good (apart from the Angel logo in the corner which looked like the emblem of a Hell's Angel Chapter) and the prices were very reasonable. I was still far from convinced at this stage, but ordered chickens livers for a starter and fried chicken and roast potatoes for a main course. I had the distinct impression that the number of customers was a surprise to them. The same girl that was covering the bar was also taking all the food orders and serving on all the tables. I think she had quite a lot to do but despite this the service was pretty quick. The food was really good when it came. The yorkshire puddings were a little larger than I would have chosen and I prefer them a bit moister, but the rest was very good. It was very straight forward - just ordinary food cooked well. If you like something a bit fancier it might not be to your taste. If you judge a meal mainly by how good it tastes I don't think you would have any complaints. I was half and half as to whether I wanted a dessert or not and nearly passed up on it. But I am glad I did. The main course was very respectable and I had enjoyed it well enough to be quite happy. But the dessert was really superb. I had apple crumble with ice cream. The ice cream was tangy and full of flavour and the crumble was delicious. I loved the tanginess of the apples too. It was really a masterpiece and I can't recommend it highly enough. My friend had the raspberry and chocolate mousse and this too was magnificent. The bill for four of us including drinks and coffees for two two course and two three course meals came to less than £80. I cannot think of anywhere else around here you could get such a nice dinner for such a reasonable price. All in all, I thought it was a really good lunchtime. If you go, do make sure you have a dessert. It was by far the best bit of the experience. I have a feeling that they have got used to a rather low level of trade so I am a bit worried that they wouldn't be able to cope with a big influx of customers. But if you are thinking of giving the Angel a try, I can only encourage you.