Bentley's is one of those family run businesses that occasionally catches the headlines, and in this case for very good reason. Regular appearances in the best food guides lends a certain solidity to the enterprise but it is not until you have actually savoured the reality that you can join the throng of admirers who regularly seek to fit themselves into the Bentleys modest surroundings. There is a commitment to making as much as possible on the premises, the malt loaf, pastas, ice cream and bread amongst them and since most of the leading people involved are 'family', and all pulling in the same direction, the degree of excellence is not to be wondered at.
A favoured dish is the prime terrine, with duck, pheasant and pork all marinated in port and brandy, then plumped up with fresh chicken livers, apricots and pistachio nuts before being wrapped in bacon and cooked slowly. Served with a mulberry condiment and home-made toasted brioche this makes a superb starter to almost any meal. The breast of duck is roasted pink and served on an oriental sauce full of pak choi, cashew nuts, baby corn and snow peas with sesame seeds, but should you find yourself at Bentley's in July or August look for the jumbo plaice, an extra thick fillet pan roasted and served with flash-fried flat mushrooms and a veloute-enhanced ham and Gruyere cheese.
Price:
Avg Price: £33.00