Loch Fyne, Alderley Edge

Eating out a lot has its advantages and sometime disadvantages. What we save on dishwasher tablets by eating out does not always cover the costs of what we eat – as a result we occasionally look out for some of the great offers and prix fixe menus that are available.

When I saw that Loch Fyne in Alderley Edge were offering two courses for £9.95 or three for £11.95 I thought we’d save a few bob (although, things do not always work out as expected.)

What they say: join us for fabulous fresh seafood at our stunning restaurant on Brook Lane. We have lots of outside seating for perfect summer dining. We are open every day from 9am for breakfast so pop in any time for a drink, a light snack or a full seafood feast. We look forward to welcoming you very soon.

What we ate:

We ordered a Basket of Freshly Baked Bread – this was served in a box marked ‘Bread’ (handy) and came with both butter and oil & vinegar. Pleasingly, the oil & vinegar induced proper vinegar and not that sticky sweet balsamic glaze that seems to be ever more trendy – and even more pleasingly, you actually got to pour it yourself as opposed to the predetermined amount that again seems to have become the norm.

I started with half a dozen Loch Fyne Oysters: 
two served traditionally with a mignonette sauce; two with tempura batter with chilli jam and two grilled with garlic & herb crust. The cooked ones were great but for me you cant beat the traditional.

My wife started with Potted Peppered Mackerel served with a toasted bloomer – nicely done.

For my main, I seemed to forget about the two courses for £9.95 menu and ordered the Lobster Frites
(I find it hard to resist a whole baked lobster; especially if it is served with garlic butter, French fries and mayonnaise!)

My side of Pan-fried Samphire in Garlic Butter was good too.

My wife opted for the Shellfish Platter for one with oysters, king prawns, crevettes, langoustine, crayfish and some wonderful smoked prawns.

Food high points: the smoked prawns were great – an unexpected highlight.

Food low points: the ‘tempura’ batter on my starter oysters could’ve been crispier. 

Décor / ambience: Loch Fyne is a chain restaurant operating in forty plus locations – the décor is tried and tested and fit for purpose.

Service: the service was spot on (but as the waitress was only serving one table, you would expect it to be.)

Verdict (Would I return?): We dined midweek (at around 6 o’clock) and were the only customers, as a result there was little in the way of atmosphere. This did seem a shame as the food is decent enough and the fixed price set menu looked great value – maybe we’ll return for that soon (but will probably end up having the lobster again!)

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