Returning to a restaurant at which you have previously had a wonderful meal is sometimes a dicey prospect. The stakes (I so wanted to type steaks to be punny but I wouldn’t subject you to that) are already so high that any mistake will be highlighted and memories of amazing meals past easily forgotten.
So it was with a little trepidation that I accepted an invitation to return to Middletons on Bridge Street, Peterborough to sample their new Spring 2018 menu.
I knew there was only 1 real choice of companion for this endeavour, my brother Steve (aka Steak King). His love of meat is the stuff of local legend.
The New Spring 2018 Menu
Looking at the menu it wasn’t instantly clear which were the new additions. Help was on hand in the form of our enigmatic waiter, Mark. After a short tour of the new menu we learned that as well as a few new meal choices on the main menu such as the spicy chicken wings, a big focus had been put on introducing some fabulous vegetarian options such as the Goats Cheese and Veg Tart which looks very tempting. There is also a vegan option which is the Pesto Gnocchi. I cannot emphasise enough how much I enjoy Gnocchi so this was great news for me.
Another new feature at Middletons is that hey have now introduced a Gin Bar to the drinks menu. It features 10 carefully selected gins, ranging from well-known brands to more up-and-coming flavoured varieties. Steak and Gin, does it get any better than that?
What we ate
Something I like about Middletons is that they do like to keep you hydrated. A bottle of complimentary water is usually with you soon after being seated and they are very good at replenishing it without being asked.
For starters I chose the Chicken Liver Paté. I really love paté but it isn’t something I would think of putting together at home so when I see it on the menu I am always keen to order it. It was a really generous portion which arrived with plenty of warm sourdough and butter.
Steve had the Mussels which were as he put it “spot on” and which arrived with a good supply of sourdough and freshening wipes.
For my main course I opted for the Seafood Mixed Grill which consisted of Sea Bass fillet, salmon fillet, chilli prawns, calamari and lemon all served alongside my choice of side which on this occasion was new potatoes (I was at least trying to be vaguely healthy). It was all really lovely and just the right portion size. I especially enjoyed the chilli prawns and the sea bass – extra points on the crunchy sea bass skin. It was a tasty alternative to steak.
Steve ordered the steak (of course) and after next to no deliberation decided on chips to go with it. His steak came with a field mushroom and tomato and was beautifully cooked – I don’t believe I have ever been disappointed with my Middletons steak, it’s what they do best.
We both really enjoyed our meals. I must admit that thanks to Middletons set menu I have returned more times than I can count. With masses of choice and 3 courses for £9.99 (even on a Saturday!). As well as the option to not only book your table online but pre-order your food too. Well, you can’t really argue with that.
Our meal was paid for in exchange for an honest review.
