A review: Dan Moon at The Gainsborough

My 21st birthday hosted a week of indulgent dining. This included a much awaited lunch in The Gainsborough, a 5 star hotel and restaurant in Bath, catered by west-country born and raised chef Dan Moon.

We were greeted, as always, by loyal and friendly staff who were quick to take our coats and pour a glass of wine. Treated to some BBQ salted nuts and Mediterranean olives, we cosied down in our usual seats for a chat whilst we breathed in the prominent smell of Baths Thermae Spa. We were escorted to our table as soon as it was ready, nestled in the window and overlooking the bustling streets. The service was impeccable, waiters presented us with the menu and continuously topped up our glasses.

I ordered duck terrine to start and was awed by the presentation as I have never before experienced smoke as a food element. The dish came served under a glass cloche that wafted the smoke around my plate when it was lifted off. I found the terrine quite heavy going and the flavours were very rich, however the egg was cooked well, the slice of duck complimented the terrine and for somebody with a small stomach, the portion size was perfect.

For main, I had white fish on a bed of crab risotto with a lobster bisque. The risotto tasted of fresh crab and honed a beautiful fishy flavour. The fish was flaky and well cooked but I found the lobster bisque to be incredibly strong, almost overpowering the delicate nature of the dish. Where the risotto tasted generously of the sea, the bisque was too rich for my liking. Luckily, it did not detract from the overall delicious flavour of the food.

As a chocolate lover, the only option for desert was the fondant. Served with banana ice cream, honeycomb and an array of exciting, secret elements, this dish was my favourite of the three. The fondant was smooth and runny in the centre and the honeycomb was sweet and sticky. Usually, I do not enjoy banana but the ice cream complimented the dark chocolate very well.

I could not resist but to sample the other deserts we had ordered. First was a beautiful rhubard mousse decorated with intricate garnishes including blow-torched meringue and a fruity cream.

I also tried the cheese and biscuit platter which looked a work of art, posed with the creamiest cheeses and crunchiest biscuits. I am certainly not one to reject a slice of blue to finish my meal with and was definitely most impressed with the third courses of our lunch.

The Gainsborough pride their exceptional lunch time offer. £34 for three courses on a deal of two-for-one is unbelievably reasonable for the standard and quality of food that was delivered. We were very impressed with the high class level of dining that we experienced and, although some of the food was rich and strong in flavour, I would definitely return to sample another seasons menu.