Neighbourhood has a split personality.
And I mean in a good way. That’s why it’s taken me so long to write this review – I needed to visit a second time.
The first visit, a Friday night was loud, bouncy and fun. A bit like eating in a nightclub – cheesy tracks, bass, shouting to your friends across the table.
Heading in with the lovely Sarah and Laura, we were lucky to grab a table in the centre of the restaurant. Seduced by the atmosphere and the food making it’s way out of the kitchen in front of us, we delved straight into dinner.
Neighbourhood is clever. A lot of the items on the menu are in multiples. Order the lobster tacos (And do. Oh do) and you get three. Sharing plates.
Sarah fancied the lollipop chicken, which arrived looking plump juicy and tasty. These were a little bit of a disappointment after the tacos and after my choice, the shrimp crackle and pop. I’m an easy mark for something a bit different and being able to pour a rich bisque onto fat prawns, rice and shrimp chips (pieces of prawn cracker) to hear it crackle and pop were always going to be a winner.
And it was. So much so that if we hadn’t been in the middle of the restaurant I’d have drunk from the bowl.
Onto our mains and Sarah (having eaten before she came out) decided to just enjoy the fine wine on offer. Laura and I opted for pasta – Laura for something meaty and rich, whereas I went for seafood again with the lobster macaroni cheese.
On both counts these were fantastic. If I tell you I was using my finger to get every bit of sauce from the corners of the dish, this will not surprise you, but it was warranted.
Full, but determined to plough on, we moved to dessert. Opting for the selection of icecreams, in little waffle cones, once again, perfect for sharing. They are delicious – with a selection of flavours and toppings and a fantastic end to our evening. We were soon distracted from arguing over who had the last one, as the music was turned up, and people started dancing between the tables.
But as Neighbourhood launches a new brunch menu, it seemed only fair to report on the slightly hungover, late night, ‘talk quietly please’ side of the restaurant. So Laura joined me again and Jessica, friend and chocolate whizz joined us.
Unsurprisingly, the lobster tacos made an appearance again. So good, we had them twice. Again a hint of spice, freshness of the guacamole and lime – none of which overpowered the lobster. A class act.
Another seafood starter, the crab fried oyster and they not only look stunning on their salt bed serving but taste it too, brown crab meat adding to the buttery seafood flavour.
I opted for 3 of the Wagyu mini burgers. And I think you can see where I’m going can’t you? Yes, we all shared.
The burgers were faultlessly cooked and a lovely foil for the other two starters. Yet nothing could yet beat the tacos.
But enough seafood. Well almost. Laura and myself opted for steak for our main, wanting to be certain we tried as much as possible.
Both arrived tender, lean and pink, a bucket of fries to accompany (we shared) and Jessica opted for the lobster macaroni and cheese.
All were delicious, but a small suggestion was made about the mac and cheese. It’s Sunday, you’re still a little hungover and eating the above beauty. You need a slice or two of crusty fresh bread to mop the dish clean. Oh yes. Double carbage.
Finally onto dessert. Being greedy, I opted for the bucket of biscuits. For sharing purposes of course. Not because I could have lots of biscuits.
Jessica opted for the chocolate and coffee sandwich, which though lovely could have done with a little more espresso – especially while a little the worse for wear.
aura went for the healthy fruit crumble option – which won the round hands down. The crumble is proper crumble. Not oats, or crumbs, but chunky, crunchy, buttery crumble.
Utterly utterly full, we still found room for a cocktail (it seeps between the food, doesn’t it?) we were further impressed. Add to that excellent service…