The Barn Brasserie, Great Tey

As my sister and I stepped inside the inspired, sunny interior of the Barn Brasserie we were met by friendly staff and escorted to the mezzanine lounge to ponder the menu. Taking pride of place was a gleaming, but sadly silent, baby grand piano. The prices on the menu, were very reasonable, with even a special two-course set menu for just �9.99. We opted for a la carte and chose baked field mushrooms with a Stilton and cream cheese sauce and smoked salmon with lemon and capers to begin. If you really want to push the boat out try their Sevruga caviar at �55.95 for 30g. The mushrooms were very tasty although not a large portion, however my salmon was both delicious and plentiful. For main course came half lobster (although you can opt for a whole one) with proper chunky chips and an abundance of mixed salad leaves with capers. My fillet steak with roasted shallots and saut�ed new potatoes was surrounded by a divinely rich red wine jus. I did expect a steak knife to appear, but the steak itself was extremely tender with a wonderful char grill flavour. Neither of us had room for a third course, but we bravely forced ourselves with tiramisu for my sister and lemon posset for me - a masterpiece.

Useful to knowOur total bill came to �68.50 for three courses, a tonic water, glass of wine and two lattes. This is an independent review. The restaurant was not told it was being reviewed.

The Barn BrasserieBrook Road, Great Tey, ColchesterCO6 1JE 01206 212345www.thebarnbrasserie.co.ukThree 2 Try: Cool Conversions

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