Just Popping Next Door
Finally the moment I've been waiting for, and it's about time too - an up to the minute, chic little bistro , called Next Door has opened it's doors in Frodsham and it's definitely worth going Next Door!! Everything about the bistro is 5*. It's somewhere where I can now take friends and relatives without having to take the car or taxi to some country pub. This gorgeous bistro wouldn't look out of place on a Parisan side street, where you can get a lovely lunch or dinner, served by friendly waiters at a really great price; the choice of premises is spot on; the colours used on the exterior are just gorgeous; the little café rod curtain, the framed menus in the window and the little drop down lights; the glimpse of the serviing area for drinks, it just goes on and on. I just love everything about the exterior, even down to the boxed hedges which just compliment and finish off the overall look and give a sense of what's to come inside. The interior is clean fresh, with a contemporary, yet rustic feel, with the exterior colour palette continuing, with just a little twist - adding blue and white platters and plates to the wall. The bar area is up there as one of the best features for me, it's quirky, fun and shows the nature of the bistro that you're entering.
The soft furnishings are warm, friendly and homely, effortlessly thrown together; giving a slight nod to country - I love it. The glassware and cutlery are elegant, napkins starched and pristine; everything shows taste and makes the bistro feel that cut above the rest. Attention to detail is clearly key in this bistro and it's evident throughout
Service and Delivery
As soon as you enter Next Door, you know it's smart, yet relaxed, you feel totally at home, welcomed in, in a very friendly, yet courteous way. The service is impeccable, attentive, not over-bearing; with spot on timing. The staff keep an eye on you from a distance and before you can ask for anything, they have already thought it. A fresh glass is delivered each time you order a new drink - which I loved. I just can't fault the service - it's 5*, being unobtrusive, but there for you. I cannot praise this enough.
Food
The starters we chose were to die for; true gastronomy at work. The Loch Duart Salmon, beetroot, red onion and pink pepper worked beautifully together and every mouthful was divine, The second dish chosen was the seared beef spiced vegetable coleslaw. The beef was cooked perfectly with a hint of ginger just coming through. As you soon as you put take that first bite, you know the rest of the meal is going to be first rate. The quality of the locally sourced ingredients used was evident, the sheer genius of flavour through each dish was incredible. Portion sizes although looked small, were in actual fact perfect.
The main course continued in the same vein as the starter. Both opted for the New Season Lamb Girolles and Roast Shallot. The taste was fresh and the lamb was cooked perfectly. You almost don't want the course to come to an end, it's that good.
For a person who doesn't like chocolate that much, I went for the Chocolate Honeycomb and Caramel for dessert, as soon as I put it in my mouth, it just melted and then you had the slight crunch of the honeycomb. Having dome shaped covering of dark chocolate and between that and the smoothness of the mousse and the crunch on of the honeycomb it was delectable.
If dining inside wasn't enough, there's a beautiful little courtyard which grabs the afternoon sun, furnished simply in a very Mediterranean way it's gorgeous for just a cup of tea, or to have lunch or dinner. Just perfect to wile away an afternoon or early evening before the sun sets.
This bistro is such an asset to Frodsham. It's gorgeous, smart without being pretentious and serves beautiful food with exquisite service. 5* all around. I've been to Next Door around four times now and each time the food, service, atmosphere and wine have been superb. I love going there and I've had some great evenings and lunches there, but I've always wondered what's behind the old door and now I know..... a lovely cosy waiting/bar area available, that you enter through the main restaurant.
https://www.restaurantnextdoor.co.uk/