URBAN BAR & KITCHEN
The first thing I’m struck by as I enter the Urban Bar & Kitchen is its space. It’s Friday evening with many diners but each is able to enjoy their food in privacy and comfort. The warm, sleek furnishings are a welcome sight on a brisk autumnal night.
My dining partner and I opt for the chef’s taster menu. Our waiter, Patrick, offers top-class service throughout. He asks what we’d like to drink and recommends a Chilean red wine for us both. We accept the invitation and it’s a great choice; full of body and fruitiness.
To start, we have the dukkah spiced goats cheese with textured beetroot, squash puree & port reduction. The goat’s cheese is smooth, ably accompanied by the fresh beetroot and sweet port reduction.
The main course is a choice between one meat dish (slow cooked rump of Welsh lamb with dauphinoise potato, squash puree, veal and port reduction) and one vegetarian (wild mushroom, spinach and brie strudel with sweetcorn puree, confit cherry tomatoes, pea shoots). Both of us opt for the meat dish and we’re not disappointed. The lamb is deliciously tender and, once again, the port reduction brings a lovely sweetness to the dish.
For dessert, we’re presented with a trio of treats - chocolate fondant, white chocolate and chilli creme brulee and rhubarb and pear crumble. The presentation is magnificent with the brulee and crumble served in playful, mini saucepans and dishes - great fun on a plate. The taste brings a wide smile too. The crumble is fruity and golden and the brulee both crunchy and soft with a subtle heat. The fondant, once broken, oozes chocolaty goodness from the centre in slow motion. Within a few generous spoonfuls, we’re done and dusted.
If you’re looking for fine dining, a wonderful atmosphere and excellent service, Urban Bar & Kitchen is your destination.
Mecure Cardiff Holland House Hotel
24 26 Newport Road
Cardiff
CF24 0DD