The last time I ate in Tides Restaurant in St. David’s Hotel and Spa it was a Forte Hotel and the chef was George Fuchs. The new owners Principal-Hayley group are now firmly at the helm, though truth be told little has visually changed in the restaurant area.

We took our seats in the bar for a pre dinner drink and perused the menu. We chose from the a la carte and ordered the wine for our table from a small but carefully selected list of bins.

We were escorted to our table and were seated looking out over Cardiff Bay at night. A lovely view considering the rain was sheeting down! The Chablis we had chosen complemented our starters well. I had chosen the rillette of pheasant which was perfect, not too chilled but with plenty of flavour. The accompanying sauternes jelly was delightful with just the right hint of tartness. My wife had the watercress and butterbean velouté which she declared a triumph.

The main course followed; Roasted sea bass wrapped in chorizo with minestrone of vegetables and for my partner cod in vanilla butter with scallops. Both dishes were delicious, moist meaty fish that we both enjoyed immensely. Nor were these scraps of fish either but generous portions that foiled my wife’s attempt to end with a dessert.

Needless to say this wasn’t my problem at all. I finished with a double vanilla Panna Cotta with compote of mulled wine fruits. The Panna Cotta had just the right amount of wobble and the texture was spot on. A lovely deep vanilla flavour meant we were both sharing a spoon by the end.

Finishing with coffees and petit fours we never felt rushed and the staff were friendly and attentive. Arsene Wenger even put in an appearance at one point before heading off to bed! Head Chef Wayne Asson has put together a very accomplished menu and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone.

This year (if we ever have a summer) the outdoor terrace would be fantastic for lunch or an outdoor cocktail.

 

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