“The Olive Tree”:http://olivetreeloughton.co.uk/ is a large-fronted, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant on Loughton High Street and was the chosen venue for a ‘retired ladies that lunch’ event. We specifically chose the Tuesday after the bank holiday when we could gloat about everyone having to go back to work.
At 1pm, we were the first customers and had the choice of tables. Although there’s a pavement area, there were no shades but the slide across doors, meant we could virtually be outside, but yet be sat in the restaurant.
The special lunch menu was good value at £15.95 for two courses and had plenty of choice. I had wild mushroom crostini which was delicious and served topped with peppery rocket and a drizzle of oil and balsamic glaze. Two of chose chicken souvlaki for mains: tender chunks of chicken on skewers with a garlicy tzatziki dip, pitta bread and Greek salad. We shared a bowl of unnecessary, but delicious fries with their skins on. The other main course chosen was roasted confit of duck with a side of roasted vegetables.
The “wine list”:http://olivetreeloughton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/The-Olive-Tree-A3-Wine-list-Proof-11-5-2017.pdf is pretty comprehensive with white wines brigaded under the headings of Light and Fresh, Fruity and Aromatic and Bold and Expressive. We chose a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc from the second category at £21.95.
We had a couple of bottles of wine and with the two side dishes, sparkling water and coffees our bill (including service charge) had mounted up to £40 each. However, we all left suitably full and all that was required in the evening was a cup of tea and biscuit.
