HOUSED in the premises of an old bank, the place accrued a new type of ‘interest’ when it opened as Patrick’s Restaurant and Bar in 2006.

Privately owned, Patrick’s soon established itself as a popular place to wine and dine in the up and coming area of Ashley Cross in Lower Parkstone.

Although it looks quite imposing from the outside, there’s a warm, lively atmosphere once you set foot through the big doors.

The interior was refurbished in 2011 and is a blend of contemporary and original features.

A few weeks ago, I met up with a couple of friends who dine out regularly and still rate Patrick’s as one of the best places in the area for lunch.

The menu is competitively priced featuring brasserie-style dishes with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.

You can choose between a £5 lunch menu offering a selection of favourites like bangers and mash, scampi and tartare sauce baguette with chips or herb breaded goat’s cheese salad.

Alternatively there is a set menu – you can have two courses for £12.50 or three for £15 which we decided was worth exploring.

For starters, I was tempted by the tempura tiger prawns with sweet chilli sauce, (although there is a supplement of £5).

But on my friend’s recommendation, I opted for the duck liver and orange pate which proved to be a first rate choice. Served on a rosemary brioche, the pate was so light it was almost mousse-like in texture, with a rich meaty flavor complemented by a portion of sweet onion relish.

For my main course I opted for the pan-fried smoked haddock potato cake, which was perfectly cooked and topped with a fried egg and served with a mixed leaf salad on the side and a dish of red pepper mayonnaise.

I was thoroughly enjoying my lunch until my friend invited me to try her herb risotto with mascarpone cheese and chargrilled mushrooms which was silky smooth and so delicious, that I had a pang of food envy!

Overall the portions are good value and although I was tempted to try the pineapple pavlova with lemon curd cream, I managed to resist, and rounded off my meal with a creamy latte. All in all, the perfect way to spend a Friday lunchtime.

My Patrick’s bill:

 

  • 2 set two-course meals  £25
  • Bottle of carrasco sauvignon blanc £16.95
  • 2 lattes £4.60
  • TOTAL:  £46.55

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