To celebrate my Graduation this week, my Dad and Step-Mum decided to treat the Graduation party to a three course meal at the World Service Restaurant in Nottingham. Having visited once before earlier in the year we thought it would be a lovely place to return and enjoy the beautiful décor, warm atmosphere, outstanding food and wonderful service.
Image Source: MCBWeddings
Housed in the 17th Century Newdigate House, World Service provides contemporary French, British cuisine. The fine dining restaurant and lounge bar combines traditional and custom elements of the buildings’ heritage. Walking through the walled garden to the entrance we were invited to enjoy a drink and read the menu on the patio. A bottle of prosecco and a complimentary canapé later we took to our seats in the Blenheim room inside.
Homemade Hummus, Paprika, Cucumber, Celery and Carrot
With white linen table cloths, dramatic wallpaper and opulent chandeliers, the Blenheim room was a beautiful setting for our evening meal. Having placed our order whilst we were sat outside it wasn’t long until our starters arrived. Three out of the six of us dining ordered the Curried Scallops with Mango Chutney, Shiso and Poppodom (£13.50) which looked fantastic. I had a small taster and have to say it was delicious – the scallops were warm and soft and the curry was mild and creamy with a lemony tang.
I chose the Vale of Belvoir Wild Wood Pigeon (served pink) with Black Cherries, Game Crisps and Watercress (£10.50) for my starter. According to BBC food (2013) wood pigeons are generally considered the tastiest and meatiest of all the pigeons, best served pan-fired and pink. This pink pigeon didn’t disappoint, it went very well with the juicy black cherries, peppery watercress leaves and salty game crisps. It looked and tasted like a masterpiece.
For the main course, the Pan Fried Sea Bass was another popular choice on our table with 3 of us selecting it from the menu. The Pan Fried Sea Bass was served with Crispy Rice Cakes, Mangetout, Spring Onion and Chilli (£18.95). Now this is a dish worth breaking down (as best I can). It reminded me of Pan–Asian cuisine, the crispy rice cakes were like creamed potato rolled in sesame seeds and chilli oil. They were spicy but sweet and sticky. The fish was delicious, the skin was salty and crispy and the white meat was moist and flavoursome. Presented on a bed of mangetout, it had to be my favourite dish of the day. It was so good, I hope that description gives it the justice it deserves.
My brother chose the Roast Duck Breast (served pink) with Orange and Soy Braised Chicory, Pak Choi and Plum Sauce (£18.95). Beautifully presented, three breasts of duck rested on the Chinese cabbage. A small jug of plum sauce was provided on the side and encouraged to drizzle over the meat. Again, I enjoyed a small taster! My father chose the Braised Shin of Derbyshire Beef with Potato Rosti, Portobello Mushroon and Spinach (£17.95) which I also had a taster of. It was lovely but a little too filling for me.
For dessert my brother and I shared the Assiette of Desserts for Two (£16.00), a wise decision when you can’t decide what to go for on the menu. This included a selection of the following;
- World Service Gateaux with Yellow Peach and Shiso,
- English Strawberries with Textures of Meringue, Prosecco and Elderflower Pannacotta,
- Chocolate Truffle Cake with Confit Cherries and Cherry Sorbet and
- Vanilla Cheesecake with Mixed Berries and Walnut Shortbread
It was a generous assiette and could of been (and was) shared by more than two of us. My favourite of the individual dishes had to be the English Strawberries which sat on top of a small elderflower pannacotta. When the plate was placed on the table, the waiter poured a small shot glass of prosecco over the strawberries and pannacotta, it fizzed and settled. The prosecco made the strawberries taste delicious, like when you eat the fruit from a glass of Pimms.
I also enjoyed the Vanilla Cheesecake, particularly the walnut shortbread base. The dessert I least enjoyed was the World Service Gateaux with yellow peach and shiso – it was nice a light but bland and had little flavour.
Overall we had a lovely celebratory dinner at World Service Restaurant. The service truly was World-Class, not once did the waiters or waitresses ask who had ordered what when they brought the food to the table. Whatever system they have in place to remember works as each course was served to the right person each time! I would truly recommend World Service to anybody looking for an attention to detail, innovative and sophisticated place to dine.
Details
ADDRESS – World Service Restaurant, Newdigate House, Castlegate, Nottingham, NG1 6AF
CONTACT – Email info@worldservicerestaurant.com or Telephone 0115 847 5587
OPENING TIMES – www.worldservicerestaurant.com/opening-times
WEBSITE – www.worldservicerestaurant.com
FACEBOOK – www.facebook.com/WorldServiceRestaurant
TWITTER – @ws_restaurant
Just another London foodie 