It is not surprising that a lot of chain restaurants are going to the wall, like it is in Malls, if you have 15 shops all selling virtually the same goods eventually some will founder. Thank goodness for good independents who have good chefs, professional front of house and a clear mission.
450 is a first class example of this. The chef has a vision not just to provide familiar and comforting food, freshly sourced, perfectly cooked and attractively presented but to include some unusual and perhaps adventurous items on the menu and through ”taster nights” ; these, having multiple courses, mean if one course does not appeal to you, the whole meal is not spoiled. Personally, my ideal is to try something different every time we dine out. Regular menu changes mean regular revisits.
The menu itself is well thought out, plenty of popular dishes and a few less familiar ones. Enough to satisfy most people but not so much as to be confusing.
The décor and ambience is light and welcoming, comfortable furniture and areas for large parties and intimate(not cramped) tables for two for that special night. There is an inviting area to peruse menus and have a pre-dinner drink. The service here, though always professional, is especially low key to ensure the atmosphere is relaxed and creates that feeling of ease that is so important before dining.
The cooking is so good as to suggest a chef earning his spurs and destined for fame and greatness. Until he does, we will continue to enjoy his food at very reasonable prices; these compare very well with the chains selling lesser quality meals.
Having taken my(grown up) children and found them delighted at this place, we will take the (teenage) grandchildren and get their opinions, but not before we go to the West Country (lets here it for GB).
The only limitation appears to be accessibility, we have not checked it out but the ”above” in the name means it is above other businesses. I would recommend ringing and asking if required.
