The hot gossip on everyone’s lips locally is “have you tried the ‘new’ Bickley”, so I thought it was about time I should check it out.
As I understand it, the aim was to turn this beautiful old Victorian building, previously Chislehurst’s first gastro-pub, into a stunning elegant restaurant and wine bar. I think they have got it just right.
Options for where you can eat within the recently refurbished venue are The Dining Room, Bar & Gallery, Private Dining Room, Roof Terrace and Garden.
After entering to a warm greeting we opted to eat in The Gallery restaurant although relaxing in one of the comfy chesterfield sofas or sitting at the stunning new marble bar were tempting alternatives.
The Gallery has been completely redecorated and is my favourite dining area. It exudes opulence with the white leather seating, padded crushed velvet Victorian chairs and candelabras.
The mood was romantic and sophisticated and quietly buzzing with conversation from the other diners.
It wasn’t long before Tony, operations manager for The Bickley made himself known, offering a complementary glass of the house speciality, Duval Leroy champagne – who could refuse?
He also offered help with the wine selection throughout the meal. I went for Kleine Zalze, a South African Chenin Blanc 2009/10 (£20.75 or £5.50 for a 175ml glass) and my partner chose a Mr Smith Australian Shiraz 2008 (£28 a bottle or £7.50 for a 175ml glass).
With the evening starting off on the right foot, we took a peek at the menu created by executive chef Kelvin Sturman.
Thought of as one of the top gastro chefs in the country, Kelvin describes his menu as ‘eclectic British’, deriving ideas on style and taste from abroad.
For starters I chose salt and pepper squid with chorizo accompanied by chilli and lemon crème fraiche (£7.50). It tasted deliciously spicy and was cooked perfectly.
My partner opted for pigeon wellington served with celeriac puree and port jus (£7.50) – a tasty dish with strong flavours.
For the main course I went for grilled fillet of wild sea bass with petit pois and lemon and herb tortellini (£22). It was a hearty dish with generous portions which justified it being the most expensive item on the menu and the combination of flavours was delicious.
My other half chose a 10oz rump steak, described on the menu as fillet cut from 28 day hung Angus-Charolais cross (£18). He couldn’t praise it enough and claimed it to be one of the best steaks he’d ever eaten - succulent, soft and juicy with a great flavour.
To accompany our meal we ordered a side dish of clotted cream mash with chives (£3.50) and king oyster mushrooms, roasted onion and oven dried tomatoes (£5).
Feeling very full but still tempted to try a dessert I decided to go for the almond blondie served with caramel sauce, hazelnut praline and vanilla ice cream (£5.50) - my idea of heaven.
My partner chose white chocolate and passion fruit pavlova (£5) which was rather surprisingly presented in something resembling a closed jam jar – quite unlike any pavlova I’ve ever seen!
Throughout the meal the pleasant staff couldn’t do enough for us and helped to make it a perfect evening all round.
If it’s good quality food and fine wine you’re looking for I’d certainly recommend paying The Bickley a visit. The overall dining experience, from service and presentation to quality ingredients, is everything you could wish for and I shall certainly be going back for more.
Bickley, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5NP
0208 4687613
www.thebickley.co.uk
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