Welcome to Oscars! No, not the Hollywood award ceremony but the stylish Bar & Grill in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan. Conveniently situated on the trendy main thoroughfare which is packed with boutiques, delis and art galleries, Oscars is a refreshing break from the norm, modern with warm, friendly and super attentive staff.

We paid it a dinner visit, but it’s open for breakfast, brunch and lunch too. Boasting a whole wealth of foodie treats that make choosing from the menu a very difficult task indeed!

But, back to dinner where we were sat in the window and settled down with a glass of nicely chilled Chenin Blanc. On to the starters which we decided to share and chose the Crispy Sea Salt Chilli Duck with Barbeque Honey dipping sauce. Absolutely delicious, with a crunchy texture that oozed flavour and wasn’t overwhelmed with salt. An excellent first choice that simply had us on the edge of our seats waiting for the next course.

For the main course this is where Oscars truly comes into its own. For the indecisive amongst us you can choose the ‘Pick ‘n’ Mix’. Three starters plus a side dish which would satisfy even the pickiest of customers. Decision finally made, and it was Goats cheese with beetroot salad, White Devon crab cake with Cajun mayo and King Prawn tails with mango salad and chilli dipping sauce. I made my choice straight from the evening’s special - strips of Welsh beef in a chilli and garlic glaze with seasoned fried potatoes and dressed leaf salad. If I’m honest, we ended up sharing everything put in front of us as the food is that good. Generous portions that don’t leave you feeling bloated at the end of your meal. Everything was superb, well executed and bursting with flavour and we loved the Pick ‘n’ Mix idea. Oscars also has a ‘7 before 7’ menu - 7 choices, before 7pm for £7...brilliant!

When the plates had been cleared away and we perused the dessert menu it was time to take in our surroundings. Effortlessly modern with booth areas and a nicely laid out seating plan which means you’re not all crammed together whilst you eat. Next door is a small snug area with a settee, perfect if you’re just popping in for a coffee and cake, and more seating for the restaurant. An open bar area with stools is ideal to just sit and take in the ambience whilst sipping on their fabulous cocktails. If you’re lucky (and we were) you may even be dining with the stars. Connie Fisher (of Sound of Music fame) was sat at one of the tables tucking in with gusto.
Meanwhile the dessert choices had been made and brought to the table. Oscars Tiramisu with Kalhua and chocolate cookies, and for me sugar toasted Brioche with Rum and Vanilla roast pineapple and vanilla bean ice cream, which was pure unadulterated heaven. A fantastic end to a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

As we sipped on our coffee’s we realised that there is nowhere quite like Oscars in South Wales. Quality food which is served all day from a very diverse menu, an expansive drinks menu with great wines, champagne and cocktails as well as non-alcoholic drinks and the staff that genuinely give you a warm welcome as you set foot in the door. If you don’t feel like driving home afterwards, perhaps after over indulging from the above mentioned menu. Why not combine it with an overnight stay at The Bear Hotel next door. That however, is another story...

For more information, visit Oscars website http://www.oscarscowbridge.co.uk/main.htm

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