Rating **** Cathy Stanworth and her partner are happy they followed up on a reader’s recommendation to visit this Whitchurch eaterie.

There’s a good reason why a well organised restaurant takes a contact number from you on taking your reservation – just in case disaster strikes.

It’s very rare that something will happen to make it impossible for the staff to serve you, but it does happen, and at Rendezvous at the Park it did, through no fault of their own.

It was yet another tip off from a reader (keep them coming!) that led myself and Simon to track it down in search of good food. A contemporary boutique hotel, it features floor to ceiling glass walls, a trendy bar and brasserie and a beautiful restaurant found at the top of a stunning staircase.

However, our first attempt to dine there on a recent Friday night hit a glitch. As we were having difficulty finding the place, and rang it up for help, we were told by the barman that they had been on the verge of ringing us as the gas had just gone off.

Deciding to pop in for at least a drink anyway, we found the staff apologetic and a couple of chefs looking dismayed. On being invited to re-book, when we would receive a free bottle of wine, we reserved a table for the following night.

On our return visit we were once again warmly welcomed by the staff. A young team, they were enthusiastic, professional, very polite and good fun.

I had already read up on the place via its website. Originally a mill, the main building had been developed to retain the original features of the bar, “alongside the more minimal approach in the restaurant”. It offered a “unique blend of traditional and contemporary dining, socialising and accommodation”.

It had pods (exclusive private areas which parties can hire on a night out which are the first of its kind in Shropshire, according to the web page), served seasonal dishes and has regular live entertainment.

We were shown up to the first floor restaurant where we discovered we were the only diners in. Later another table of two came in. I suppose it’s a sign of the times, but I thought it was a shame it wasn’t busier.

Our free bottle of wine was waiting for us at the table. Looking through the menu we found a good choice of steaks as well as other main courses and the starters.

To begin with I chose Grilled Goats Cheese on a Beetroot and Orange salad and Red Onion Marmalade (£4.50). Simon ordered Crispy Squid and Chorizo Sausage set on a bed of Mixed Leaves (£5.50).

Inside Rendezvous at the Park, Whitchurch

For mains I ordered an 8oz Sirloin Steak (£10.95). Simon opted for a 14oz T-Bone steak (£12.95). Both dishes came with chips, home made onion rings and tomatoes. I also ordered a Diane Sauce (£1.95) and a bowl of vegetables to share (£2).

When our starters came I was very impressed. My starter both looked and tasted beautiful. I had a good round of warmed goats cheese, on a bed of fresh rocket, surrounded by a circle of small orange sections and slices of tiny peppers and beetroot. My goats cheese was sublime. It was so tasty and moreish and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Simon’s squid was very enjoyable. It was light and full of flavour and not at all chewy. He also enjoyed the sausage, adding it wasn’t overpowering.

Our mains were just as satisfying. My steak was hot, tender and full of flavour. It came with lovely, large onion rings and six warmed tomatoes on the vine. The chips were large, pale and hot and again tasty. My Diane sauce came in a little jug. Again this was hot. There was plenty of it and it perfectly complemented my steak. The vegetables, (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots), were perfectly cooked. I was very happy.

Simon had a massive T-Bone steak, with the same sides. He was very impressed with his dish. His meat was tasty and tender.

I knew that I was getting to that full stage, but simply could not resist trying out the puddings. There was a choice of four.

Simon chose cheese and biscuits (£4.25), while I ordered Eton Mess at £3.75, which I thought was good value for money for a pudding.

The cheese and biscuits got the thumbs up from Simon while I enjoyed my Eton Mess. I suppose it was a contemporary take on one, as, instead of having lumps of meringue, red fruits and jus and cream and perhaps a bit of toffee sauce, it was all mixed together in a wine glass. It tasted good, and I enjoyed it, but I couldn’t finish it. It was a case of “eyes bigger than your belly” I’m afraid.

Simon finished off with an Americano (£2.25), which he had topped up at no charge.

We decided to take our drinks down to the bar area to finish off before venturing back to Telford. Once again Whitchurch had proved itself.

Rendezvous at the Park is a pleasant place to dine out in and well worth the trip out.

ADDRESS
Rendezvous At The Park, Park Avenue, Whitchurch SY13 1SH
Tel: 01948 661800
Web: www.rendezvouswhitchurch.co.uk

MENU SAMPLE
STARTERS
Sauteed mushrooms in a garlic cream sauce (£4.25)
Black and white pudding stack, with bacon salad, topped with a poached egg (£5.25)

MAINS
Roast rack of Lamb with provencal vegetables & Redcurrant and Rosemary sauce (£11.95)
Pan seared Chicken with Sauteed new potatoes and Tomato sauce (£10.95)

DESSERTS
Creme Brulee (£3.75)
Bread & Butter Pudding (£3.75)

ATMOSPHERE
Friendly and fun

SERVICE
Polite, courteous and efficient

DISABLED FACILITIES
Disabled toilets, flat access into the bar and brasserie. If diners cannot use the stairs up to the restaurant they can eat comfortably in the ground floor area.