We were invited to the recent opening of Sequoia’s Restaurant at The New House Hotel in Cardiff. After tasting the assortment of canapés laid out before us, we knew it wouldn’t be long before we returned to sample the Menu proper.

On arrival at The New House you’re immediately struck by the view. An incredible vista spread out before you taking in the Millennium Stadium and even as far as Cardiff Bay in the distance. The hotel itself is no less impressive, set in its own grounds and boasting one of the largest Sequoia trees in Cardiff. The entrance to the newly refurbished restaurant is separate from the rest of the hotel. A quiet area where you can nibble on canapés and take a pre-dinner drink in front of a roaring log fire whilst you peruse the menu - and what a menu! Seasonal, with a diverse choice of dishes to tempt your palette.

The staff are friendly and courteous without being over-bearing and are readily available for advice on any of the dishes. We chose our starters and took our seats at arguably the best table in the house, sat in the window gazing out over the twinkling lights of night time Cardiff. Our food soon arrived and we tucked in with gusto. I began with Beetroot which had been infused with chilli and Welsh goats’ cheese. I cannot praise this dish enough, it looked pretty and was truly delicious with the beets being wonderfully crisp and with just that hint of the fire from the chillies. My wife had the hand cured Breseola which is made on the premises. Great stuff, the beef wasn’t overly salted which can sometimes be the case. So far so good, and as we waited for our main course to arrive we sipped at a very decent Chablis.

The main course arrived with an excellent space between the courses. Succulent Rack of
Lamb that was perfectly pink in the middle served with a deliciously sweet and savoury rum and raisin jus and vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes served alongside. The other main dish was a Parcel wrapped loin of Cod with a spinach mash and a ginger and spring onion dressing. Both dishes were superb, brilliantly executed and bursting with flavour. Now all that was left was the crowning glory - dessert!

My wife decided to finish with a selection of British cheeses, homemade chutney and biscuits while I opted for a Brioche Berry Pudding with clotted cream. The pudding was amazing, not overly tart with a great selection of winter berries that had steeped themselves into the sweetness of the Brioche.

Head Chef Gareth Phillips has put together a great menu, changing seasonally and using only the finest local ingredients where possible. I defy you not to enjoy Sequoia’s, eating in opulent surroundings, a great view and stunning food, what’s not to enjoy? This could be the start of a rising star on the Cardiff restaurant scene. Surely another AA Rosette will follow as word gets out that The New House has relaunched its brand new restaurant, Sequoia’s. Pay it a visit, you won’t leave disappointed on that you have my word.

For more information and for details of how to book, visit the website: http://www.newhousehotel.com/newhouse_restaurant.php

 

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