Number 28

27th January 2011 - Number 28, 28 The High Street, Holt

Gill and I lunched at Number 28 in Holt High Street.   Gill had once worked there when it was the Holt Bookshop.   Since its conversion to a restaurant, Gill had once had a coffee there but I had never visited.

On entering, we were pleased with the comfort and decor.   The furnishings were simple but comfortable and it had a pleasing ambience.

The downstairs was fullish so we went upstairs and had a table for two initially at the back of the room.   However, we were soon able to move to a table for two next to the window with its good view over the busy High Street.   Service was quick and we were brought wine - Gill had a glass of Chardonnay and I ordered a Merlot.   The measures were generous.   The waiter took our meal order having brought the drinks.   We had to ask for water.

Gill ordered Leek and Gruyere Tartlet with salad and I ordered Chicken and Ham Pie with new potatoes and French beans (probably grown in Kenya).   A note on the table, no doubt warding off complaints from impatient customers, said all food was cooked to order and there might be some delay.   However, the delay was minimal and the meal was very nicely presented.    Perhaps even more important, it was extremely tasty with pleasing additions, with the tartlet also having a helping of crisps and the new potatoes being generously drizzled in butter.    The Chicken and Ham Pie was baked out-of-house but was of high quality, in fact one of the best savoury pies I had tasted!

We had enjoyed our lunch in very pleasing surroundings.   The bill came to £24, including drinks.

Rating: 17/20