This was a return visit to Quod but my first time there for an evening meal – a pre-Christmas family get-together with three generations, as we had our five-week-old grandson with us.
We had an early booking, but the place was packed when we arrived. It’s a city centre venue and a great location for planned eating and also popping in to have a drink at the very striking bar (they say they will always accommodate you, although you may have to wait). So a couple of weeks before Christmas – well you can imagine the scene!
We were greeted at the door and made our way to a table at the back, next to a window overlooking the Italian garden terrace, which apparently is heated so can be used all year round. It was raining the night we were there, so empty but the twinkling lights made it a spectacular seasonal view.
With plenty of room for the pram, we enjoyed the buzz round about us but felt set back enough to enjoy our meal and conversation.
Most of our group opted for confit of duck leg with celeriac purée and braised cabbage. Duck is a favourite so they know what they like and said it was very tender and tasty. I chose lamb bhuna which was served with rice, raita and a poppadom. It had a good level of heat and was so full of flavour that I would definitely order it again. The portion sizes were also very good, so we were pleased to have a breather to create space for dessert!
Sticky toffee pudding, cheesecake and sorbet were our pudding choices, which we loved, but the cheeseboard being served at a nearby table also looked very good.
Service was efficient and unobtrusive. At no stage did we feel rushed.
My previous visits have been for breakfast and coffee, and I was so impressed on my first visit that I chose an afternoon tea voucher for a birthday gift, which was apparently a lovely experience, so that is next on my list!
We didn’t need parking but apparently there is a car park, which is a bit of a rarity in the city centre. Quod is part of the Old Bank Hotel, so parking is mainly for hotel guests, but if space is available there is complimentary parking with minimum spends in the restaurant.
