Banyan Bar And Kitchen, Harrogate

Banyan is a chain of popular bars come restaurants that are springing up all over the country.

The Harrogate restaurant was recently refurbished and on our visit it seemed that it has been a successful transition. For a midweek evening visit it was very busy.

There is a lot of eating competition along John Street where Banyan is located, but the most popular seemed Banyan and after visiting this warm, welcoming establishment you can understand why.

There is the large bar area and ample seating for those who wish to eat. Cosy booths at the back are ideal to sample the dining experience. The food menu concentrates on steaks, burgers, skewers, powerbowls and salads. As you would expect there is a comprehensive wine and cocktail list.

From Sunday to Friday 5-8pm they have the Banyan Club when it is 2 for 1 on the cocktails. These come under the heading of Stylishly Beautiful and Genuine Inspiration. You could even have a smoothie too if you desired one.

As for the cocktails, my Passion Punch was a taste of the tropics that made a wet winter's night a little bit more like summer. A mixture of Rhum Orange, guava, pineapple and passion fruit, syrup and lemon, it was a zesty, fruity drink.

Starters of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (which I found a bit rich when covered in caramelised peanuts) and my partner's starter of a selection of warm breads were both served hot and fresh.

My main of Steak and Ale Shortcrust pie served with fries and greens was delicious. The pie tasted just like you had made it yourself, whilst my partner's Pancetta and Broccoli Tagliatelle again was served piping hot and well presented. The conclusion was that it was a far superior dish than you sometimes get in a pizza chain restaurant. You could tell it had come straight from the kitchen to our table.

If you have any space left there is the Decadent Dessert menu. The Passion Fruit Cheesecake must be very popular as it had sold out. The Bailey's Eton Mess was served, at our request without the Baileys, but it still tasted delicious. However, it could have been improved by having less cream in the dish. My Sticky Toffee Pudding was served with vanilla ice cream.

By now the restaurant was getting even busier. It might be tucked away down a side street in the town but it is a worthwhile discovery.

In a plethora of new restaurants and bars opening you need something to stand out from the others, Banyan tries with its tasty food, good service, reasonable prices and an appealing ambience. It wins on all aspects.



Banyan Bar and Kitchen
4 John Street, Harrogate HG1 1JZ
Telephone: 01423 538871
www.arcinspirations.com