You know that 4pm, Tuesday itch at work? You are tired (more so when with child). You would like to go home (sorry MD), but you have no food in. Cooking is way beyond anything you remotely want to do.
The easiest thing to do is text your partner and demand an early bird dinner/date night. Naturally since food was involved, he didn’t need persuading.
We ended up at the famous Harrogate Brasserie for a quick after-work bite. Their Early Bird menu (a term for getting in early — and leaving before the main dinner crush) was £15 for two courses, or £22 for three courses. It’s a lovely little place that feels like a cross between the Mad Hatter’s kitchen and an opulent theatre backdrop.
We both had the garlic and Gruyere mushrooms to start with: A mini tureen of gooey, cheese-topped heaven. A generous helping of mushrooms were cooked and served in a creamy, buttery sauce. Combined with lots of crusty bread for dunking, I’m ashamed to say I was stuffed enough to have made an early exit for my sofa!
But we didn’t. Our slow-cooked lamb on a bed of mash and gravy was well-presented and beautifully cooked (it fell apart and wasn’t overly rare for the sake of it). It came with the standard veg bowl, all nicely cooked.
I failed to finish, but sincerely wish that I could. Or that I had them guts to ask for a doggy bag. Obviously there was no room for pudding but I promise that I will be back as soon as I can eat again!
The Harrogate Brasserie is perfect for a cosy bistro feast, especially on a very stormy evening like this. The relaxed staff didn’t even flinch when the doors blew open and wine glasses rolled to smash all over the floor.
