A wonderful taste of pure excellence

However, as many good eateries as there are, a thoroughly excellent dining experience is somewhat rare.

The last time The Standard reviewed Tullivers, it was a simple cafe and tea room.

It was lovely and everything that you’d expect - a selection of snacks, teas, coffees, etc - but nothing particularly special to write home about. Since then, it’s become a bistro restaurant and wine bar - open on Friday and Saturday evenings as well as lunchtimes everyday bar Monday and now able to serve alcohol.

As well as the transformation of the building and the menu, Tullivers have certainly raised their game.

As I strolled into Tullivers on a crisp and sunny afternoon, I was greeted with a warm welcome from one of the friendliest and most accommodating waitresses I’ve ever had the pleasure to be served by.

The staff at Tullivers really can’t do enough you - whether it’s a special request with your food or simply bringing you a newspaper while you wait.

I perched myself at a quiet table upstairs overlooking the river and their lovely outdoor dining area. Everything about Tullivers is calm, clean, chic and contemporary - I could have happily spent the whole day there watching the world go by.

Their lunch time menu offers a range of brilliant sandwiches with an interesting twist - including brie and homemade red onion marmalade and chicken breast with an avocado and lemon oil dressing.

For starters they offer a range of delights, such as a goat’s cheese tart and a liver and dry-cured bacon salad. I went for the seared scallops with mixed leaves and either black pudding or chorizo.

I couldn’t decide which - so they gave me both. Only one word can describe my starter: wow. I was presented with a tower of scallops, black pudding and chorizo. It looked so beautiful that I even took a picture of it with my phone. The only thing better than its marvellous appearance was the taste. I would happily eat it every day for the rest of my life.

For a main I pondered a homemade burger, risotto of the day, or the scampi, but settled on the fish pie, which was creamy, wholesome, filling and delicious.

This was just the lunchtime service and I couldn’t find fault with anything at all. I can only imagine how incredible experiencing their evening menu could be. I’ll be sure to make a visit and find out soon. Absolutely flawless.

By Andrew Trendell

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