The Leconfield, Petworth

The Leconfield, Petworth, West Sussex

Leconfield Restaurant

We have been going to the Leconfield restaurant in Petworth, West Sussex since it first opened several years ago.  There have been many developments since that first visit.  Changes in house manager, chefs and staff training have lead to a better and better dining experience. One significant factor has been guidance from Pascal Proyart, Head Chef at One-o-One, which many (myself included) rate as the best seafood restaurant in London.


So I was really looking forward to dinner there last night.  Initial booking by telephone was pleasant and friendly and this theme continued when we arrived and were greeted by the House Manager and our waitress for the evening.  To our surprise we were told that they now had a new Head Chef who had started just one week before.  Previously Head Chef at The Aubergine restaurant in Marlow, Tim O'Shea now joins the team at the Leconfield and first impressions are very good.

Smoked Haddock Vichyssoise

Tim has managed to create new menus already and there was a sumptuous range on offer on the a la carte menu.  Not all seafood of course, but notable items included Carlingford Rock Oysters, Squid and Octopus Pancha and Baked Dover Sole.  However, we opted for the set menu which offered 2 courses for £25 or 3 courses for £30.  

Smoked haddock, potato, confit hen's egg

To start I ordered the Vichyssoise with Poached Haddock and New Potato. Traditionally this is a thick soup made from leeks, onions, potato, cream and chicken stock but Tim put a wonderful seafood slant to it.  The haddock was braised in milk beforehand and the milky fish-stock was added to the leek and potato mix.  Pieces of the braised haddock and new potato, together with confit hens egg, were presented on the soup plate and the Vichyssoise was added at the table.  The result was a cool, refreshing, creamy (but not rich) soup with subtle fish flavours.

Salmon Canneloni

Main course was the Salmon Cannelloni with Braised Fennel and Vermouth Cream.  Half of the salmon was whipped with cream into a smooth mousse before adding to the remainder in the canneloni.  Delicately braised fennel, star anise and the bold vermouth cream completed this meal perfectly to provide a delicate balance of firm flavours. 

Rounding off with the British and French Cheese with Fig Chutney and Fennel Lavash we enjoyed a lovely evening at the Leconfield.  Full marks for food and service; can this place get any better ? 

C-Bay Cafe/Bar/Bistro, Crantock, Cornwall

C-Bay Cafe/Bar/Bistro, Crantock, Cornwall

If you are staying in the Newquay area of Cornwall take a trip along from Fistral beach to the Pentire headland and walk down Riverside Avenue. Next to the cafe you will find a footpath which winds down through the mediterranean vegetation to the Gannel Estuary.  At low tide you can walk across the river (at high tide there is a small ferry) and on to the impressive expanse of yellow sand which is Crantock beach; voted Britain's best beach in 2014 by the Sunday Times.  Every kind of beach activity happens here from surfing to kiting to volleyball to hiking but the beach is large enough to accommodate everyone, with room to spare.  



For a nice lunch wander up the hill on the southern side to the C-Bay Cafe.  With amazing views over the beach and beyond they offer a wide range of meals and snacks in the daytime and evening.

We enjoyed their crispy crumb coated, smoked haddock fishcakes which were light and fluffy with a good flavour.  The moules mariniere were prepared in the traditional way with juicy, plump mussels in a tasty broth with white wine and fresh parsley. 

A very pleasant lunchtime. 

Grand Brasserie at St Pancras

The St. Pancras Grand Brasserie is part of the Searcy's Champagne Bars group and offers a range of high quality shellfish and seafood with champagnes and wines to match.  I have eaten here before and enjoyed their lunchtime special of oysters and champagne for a birthday celebration.  So, when the opportunity arose last night for another celebration I was more than happy to suggest we visit again.

The restaurant decor is very welcoming and relaxing on a cold winter night at St Pancras.  The station itself always creates a romantic image with its combination of history and modernity in the building and shops/restaurants. The brasserie adds even more with its art deco styling, dark wood furnishings embellished with plenty of brass.

The service was good from the first point of contact when I telephoned to book and explain the special dietary requirements of one of my guests (who cannot eat oil or butter). Friendly and helpful best describes the response.

 So, how about the food ?  Most of us went for the special menu which offered 2 courses for £15 or 3 courses for £19. With three of each starters, mains and puddings to choose from the choice was varied and interesting. I went for the cauliflower and nutmeg soup which was delicious, followed by the fresh Haddock with caper and sage butter.  The menu almost didn't do it justice as it also came with smooth creamed potatoes and curly kale (my favourite vegetable of the moment) which had been steamed perfectly.  The folded fillet of Haddock was succulent and glistening (a good sign that it's not overcooked), drizzled with the caper butter and topped with crispy Sage leaves (how did the chef do that ?).
Our 'non-oil diner' was treated to  steamed smoked haddock with crushed new potatoes and curly kale. None of us had room for a pudding.  The food was expertly prepared and presented and this menu represents amazing value for money - could be the best value in London.  We topped it off with a bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and with the service charge it worked out about £25 per person.