The Rooftop Garden Restaurant

The Rooftop Garden Restaurant on the fifth floor of The Welbeck Hotel is an oasis of calm and classic cuisine in the heart of Nottingham. Greeted by Mr Shelton, the charming restaurant manager, we were led through to the conservatory for a relaxing aperitif and the opportunity to study the menu. The view over Nottingham's rooftops provided a real talking point, and very soon the day's stresses began to simply melt away. As we took our seats, a throng of regular diners were already enjoying the restaurant's continental vibe, created through a design of Mediterranean pastel colours, cane seating and accented by the presence of an imposing antique mahogany French dresser. Joseph, the charismatic Venezuelan waiter, guided us through the extensive menu of traditional British and modern European dishes, knowledgeably assisting us with our wine selection. After considering the varied and interesting collection, the Casa La Joya - a Chilean merlot at £19.95 - shone as the ideal accompaniment. My companion and I were tempted by the tartlet of smoked haddock, wilted spinach and poached egg served with Mornay sauce as a starter. The moist, delicate haddock beautifully married the creaminess of the Mornay sauce and, teamed with a poached egg just begging to be punctured, was a light but flavour-packed start to our dining experience. The crispness of the November evening drew us to the hearty main of pan-fried calf's liver; beautifully presented on a bed of bubble and squeak and surrounded by a sage-infused jus, it was both sweet and tender, and the accompanying side order of seasonal vegetables was perfectly cooked, locking in the freshness. The highlight for dessert lovers, and highly recommended by the staff, was the homemade apple crumble with custard - the topping was bursting with Bramley apple flavour, the custard rich and creamy, and the generous portion ensured we were pleasantly full. Friendly staff and excellent service added to the pleasure of dining at The Rooftop. This charming establishment - beloved by its regulars - comes highly recommended and is a reward in itself for any diner who seeks out its hidden charms