Review: The Reach Bar & Kitchen

Something a bit different from me today. I had the exciting opportunity to try out the newly opened bar and restaurant The Reach, which is situated in a Grade II listed building next to the Royal Albert Dock in east London. It's menu consists of top quality, seasonal fare, all wonderfully presented by chef Mickael Chalopin. As you would expect from a new venture, it's all looks fabulous, with lots of earthy tones and stylish (but comfy!) furnishings. We enjoyed a superb meal for four - the following photos will  make you very hungry!

I have to start with the bread basket that greeted us. The delicious salt and pepper crusty bread was so fresh and to my delight it was served warm. It was a lovely way to whet our appetites for the meal to come.

For my starter I chose the Brushetta, which was served with grilled courgette, aubergine and red peppers with a choice of melted cheese. It also came with a generous side salad. This was all absolutely delicious and a very enjoyable way to start the meal.

My husband opted for the Beef Tomato starter. This thing was huge! The massive tomato was layered with buffalo mozzarella and homemade Pesto de Genovese, and served with lots of extra salad. Everything about this starter was so fresh tasting (a running theme for this review!), the ingredients were top notch, and packed full of flavour.

For his main course my husband opted for the Beer Battered Fresh Fish Of The Day and Chips. I would say that this was the most popular meal on the day we went, so many people were eating this. It was served with more salad and a gorgeous pot of the tastiest mushy peas I've ever had (yes, I did try all the meals!). The fish was so fresh and melt in the mouth!

My eldest son opted for a Traditional Hamburger. This was a very generously sized portion and came with a gorgeous handmade burger relish. The burger patty itself was also obviously of a premium quality. All of the food served at The Reach is fresh, they only use their freezers for ice cream.

My youngest son went for the Cumberland Sausage, served with a vigneronne sauce and homemade creamy mash. Oh my gosh this was divine! When I go back to The Reach this is what I'll be ordering - and I'm not usually someone who eats either sausages or mash! The sauce was so rich and dark and full of flavour. The mash was the creamiest I've ever tasted and the Cumberland sausages were fantastic quality. The crispy onions on top were delectable and just finished it all off perfectly.

My choice on the day was the King Tempura Prawn, served with pak choi, baby corn and mash. I wanted to try something a bit different and I'm glad I did because this whole meal was perfection, including the spicy dip on the side.

Somehow we managed to find a little space for dessert! But when the desserts are this special you'll want to save a little room too. Hubby and the boys went for the Homemade Nut and Chocolate Brownie. Now this disappeared within a few seconds so I barely got to try any, but safe to say it was excellently gooey and moist, everything a brownie should be. A very generously sized portion too.

And while the boys were busy enjoying their brownies I had this beauty all to myself. This is the Homemade Créme Brulee, which was delicately flavoured with lavender. I loved the flavours here, it was sweet and creamy, obviously made by a complete genius, and just the ideal finish to my experience at The Reach.

All other aspects of our experience were also wonderful. Not only was the food excellent but it also had a great atmosphere, and felt very welcoming. I'd absolutely recommend The Reach as a wonderful place to go with friends for a foodie treat. As it's a bar The Reach also offers an extensive range of wine and drinks.

The setting was lovely too, it faces the Royal Albert Dock, and offered a nice view of the water especially as it started to turn dusk.

Take a look at their website here for more details http://www.thereachbar.co.uk/. There is also a fantastic offer on at the moment that if you review The Reach Bar & Kitchen on their Facebook page or Trip Advisor you will receive 25% off your bill in February.

Grocery Gems Verdict: The Reach Bar & Kitchen

RATING: 10 out of 10.

I received a meal for four at The Reach Bar & Kitchen in return for an honest review.