Tin House, Wellington

Star rating: ***** I’m always a little nervous when we take friends or family out for a meal because there’s nothing worse than having a bad experience and putting guests through it as well.

So when we dined at the Tin House, I didn’t think it was such a good idea to take my partner’s sister, brother-in-law and niece for our first visit.

But we did and we were more than glad we did - it was a superb meal and an experience that deserved to be shared.

On arrival, I must admit we were all a little disappointed because I’d expected a much grander building, and situated next to a nightclub, I had my doubts.

But as we walked in to the contemporary, revamped but cosy restaurant, we were welcomed by a member of staff and shown to our table. Any thoughts of a nightclub were dashed and the over-indulgence started.

We all said we were “starving” - I’m sure we weren’t but the wonderful aromas from the kitchen only increased our appetite - so we ordered the mixed platter for four people to start.

Although a generous portion of spare ribs, sesame prawn toast, vegetable mini spring roll, crispy wonton and seaweed was served, it had all soon disappeared.

Our niece just wanted the chicken satay so we ordered a separate portion for her.

The starters, all served piping hot, and the bottle of fruity, chilled house wine made a good start to the meal.

The owner who was friendly and kept checking we all had enough to drink and eat without intruding on our meal or conversation, also asked if we would like to have our main courses served immediately after our starters or if we would like a break.

A nice offer and one that would usually be taken up but due to our appetites we went straight on to the main courses.

Within minutes they were served steaming hot. We had each ordered a different main course and a rice but planned to take advantage of the revolving round table to share the very large portions.

If we had known how generous the chef was, we probably would not have ordered a portion each and certainly not rice and chips!

My chicken in satay sauce on a sizzling griddle was the tastiest dish of its kind I have tasted, and with it being my favourite dish I have tried a few. The sauce was thicker than usual, giving it an extra special peanut taste.

The other dishes, including spicy hot and sour Kung Po chicken, sweet and sour mixed Hong Kong style and beef in black bean were all amazing.

Although there wasn’t a chance, we could have finished off every dish. The dessert menu still won us all over and we indulged once again, enjoying Cointreau ice cream and hazlenut and toffee ice cream pots.

The welcoming atmosphere and the first-class cuisine has already resulted in a return visit by my partner and I, and there will certainly be many more. We really had not tasted or enjoyed a meal so much before - it was even better than cuisine we’ve tried in Hong Kong and China.

But with just ten tables available I would suggest booking in advance as this is certainly a restaurant that will be one of the busiest when word spreads. but if you are left disappointed there is always the Tin House takeaway next door - same delicious food cooked by the same chef to eat in your own home.

ADDRESS
Tin House, The Parade, Wellington
Tel: 01952 250088

MENU SAMPLE
Starters
Pork Yuk Sung (for two people - lettuce parcels filled with stir-fried finely chopped pork with garlic, onion, celery, carrot and served with crispy vermicelli.) £6.50. (Also available in chicken, seafood and vegetarian); Fried mussels in black bean sauce (£5); Crispy wonton (£4).

Main courses
Sizzling fillet steak with fresh ginger and spring onion (£10.50); Bird’s nest crispy shredded chicken with fresh chilli in Cantonese sauce (£7.50); Stir-fried scallops with chilli, green pepper in black bean sauce (£9).

Desserts
Selection of ice cream sweets and speciality coffees.

ATMOSPHERE
Relaxed and welcoming

SERVICE
Efficient and polite

DISABLED FACILITIES
Toilets are up three steps, entrance involves one step.

SMOKING POLICY
No smoking throughout

By KIRSTY MARSTON