Pleasantly Surprising Time

Published 24 Feb 2011 09:30 0 Comments

Hotel chains' restaurant food sometimes gets a bad rap, but a visit to the newly refurbished Padworth restaurant and bar at the Holiday Inn Reading West on a quiet Thursday evening put paid to any preconceptions we might have had. My guest and I were welcomed by pleasant and attentive staff into the hotel bar, equipped with comfortable chairs and an unobtrusive wide screen television, and given ample time to peruse the menu.

The spacious dining area is a step up from standard hotel-group design, painted in relaxing muted coffee tones and set over two levels, with two large columns, simple wooden tables and subtle background music.

The menu caters for a variety of tastes, with the A La Carte and grill menu remaining the same across the chain, while the daily specials choice varies on a regional basis.

My dining partner chose a starter of toasted ciabatta, olive and sourdough breads, served with balsamic vinegar, olive oil and a pot of mixed olives infused with chili, garlic and thyme, all attractively presented on a piece of slate. A bowl of sweet potato soup with roasted parsnip crisps and served with a toasted chunk of olive bread, was rich and lightly spicy.

A main of delectable smoked haddock, served draped over a stack of crushed new potatoes and spinach with a jug of deliciously creamy hollandaise sauce was, according to my companion, utterly delicious. My caponatta-filled aubergine with crunchy herb breadcrumbs and a fresh, crunchy rocket and chunky salsa salad was a lovely balance of textures and colours

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