Great choice for young families

THERE is an informal and welcoming buzz about The Seasons Restaurant at the Hilton Hotel in Chepstow Road, Langstone.

Diners - mostly hotel guests but not exclusively - can enjoy a hearty three-course meal from a traditional carvery .

The Seasons is next to a bar and lounge, so those intent on making an entire evening of their visit can later find a comfortable couch by a fire to have a coffee or something stronger.

An a la carte menu will be available in March, but for now, a set menu costing £18.25 per person, offers a wide choice for carnivores, though vegetarian options are more limited.

As a starter I went for Choice from the Seasons Hors D'Oeuvres Table, a self-serve table of pats and salads to be enjoyed with warm bread rolls.

Customers choose their main course from a hot table boasting an impressive array of meat and fish dishes.

My roast lamb was fine without being extra-special, and came with vegetables that were plentiful and tasty.

A break to enjoy some coffee, and then another choice to make. Cold 'afters' on display included cheese and biscuits, a chocolate tartlet and a mandarin cheesecake, which my companion enjoyed immensely.

I was disappointed that the kitchen had run out of my chosen dessert, a rhubarb and ginger crumble, but I happily settled for sticky toffee pudding with custard.

The staff were friendly, helpful and intent on making everyone comfortable, making it a great choice for young families.

Mark Choueke