It's not often I eat out, but...

Strange, the different reasons we eat out... When my ex-wife and I separated, I maintained that I should carry on eating out at my favourite places, even if on my own, mostly. Consequently, I carried on eating at places where I felt comfortable to eat alone. For lunch, 4 years ago, I regularly enjoyed eating at the First in Last Out (FILO), when the kitchen space was similar to a small galley kitchen at the end of the bar, for those who remember. 

Then the kitchen was moved out to the back and is much larger now, and what used to be the old 'garden' has become a restaurant area, particularly in the evening and on Saturday lunchtime, though you can still enjoy a good meal or bar snacks in the bar area. Anyway, the occasions I now eat out alone are fewer due to altered personal circumstances, and, as I hadn't eaten at the FILO for quite a while, and felt good, I decided to eat there again.

I ordered at the bar, before descending to the bright clean restaurant area, with a large glass of Merlot in my right hand, and a glass of water in my left. What did I order? Well there was a fair choice of meals on offer on the Lunch Menu, and many more on the 'Specials' Board, including vegetarian options, and so I made my request of the friendly young woman behind the bar...

I started off with 'Warm flatbread and organic houmous'. Looked to be a straight-forward choice, though not just this appeared on my wooden serving board (nice touch), but also a small pot of olives in olive oil and a lovely fresh salad of various leaves, beansprouts, grated carrot, red pepper and cherry tomatoes. Following this, I realised I wouldn't be ordering a pudding after the main meal!

My main meal was "Pan seared lambs liver, dauphinoise, buttered new carrots and fresh seasonal vegetables." The liver was tender, and served with a gorgeous port jus (there was a small jug of extra jus on the side, and the chef explained to me how it was made when I asked later, many thanks!). All the vegetables were well cooked, and I don't mean as my mother used to cook, sorry mum, but they were just right! You can take it that I enjoyed my meal, and I couldn't add a third course, as suggested, though there were tempting puddings available. Afterwards, I licked the plate, metaphorically of course... 

There is a different menu in the evenings, except on Sundays, and specialised evening menus on Mondays, 'Spanish Tapas', and Thursdays, when a rather interesting range of dishes make up the 'Indian Thali' menu. More detail and sample menus can be seen at their website and, of course, Christmas is a-coming, including  food on Sundays!

First In Last Out, 14-15 High Street, TN34 3EY.

Telephone: 01424 425079

Email: sharon@thefilo.co.uk