A review of Merchant Tea Rooms 'Bistro Menu' evening in Colyton, Devon | November 2022

 

My husband recently surprised me with a 'date night' where he booked in for a 'Bistro Menu' evening being held at Merchant Tea Rooms in Colyton, Devon. We've lived in Seaton now for over 8 years and yet this is the first time we've been there. We only recently found out about the place and saw that they were running special Friday and Saturday Bistro Menu evenings which offer a set menu. 

The evening we attended had a set four course menu (which could be adapted for vegetarians if required) and we booked our table for opening, which was 6pm. On arrival we were greeted and offered our choice of table, as the first ones booked in we had the choice of anywhere in the room. The place was small with beautiful classic tea room floral décor and a lovely welcoming atmosphere. In the background was soft music which perfectly suited the environment. 

The starter, pictured above was absolutely delicious. I really want the recipe for the mushroom dipping sauce because I would love to have that regularly! It was served with 3 different breads, butter and olive oil. The presentation, of this dish and each that followed, made everything look really appetizing 

The next dish was a chorizo, onion and mushroom ravioli, which was very tasty, absolutely packed full of flavour. The attention to detail in both taste and presentation was something to be admired. 

The next dish was probably my favourite, it was absolutely divine. The sauce was so tasty and went perfectly with the dish. The 'patatas bravas' and salad served with the dish all went together harmoniously. 

I don't think we stopped smiling the whole evening, everything was so wonderful and we were so well looked after by the lovely gentleman, Dariusz I believe his name was. He was the chef and server and did a fantastic job throughout the evening ensuring we had everything we needed and were happy with everything. 

The final dish was bread and butter pudding served with warm custard. It was a lovely end to the meal. 

We had the option of bringing along our own alcohol (as the venue doesn't have a license) and paying a corkage fee, however, Jon and I don't really drink so we were happy with the iced water provided to accompany our meal. 

All in all it was a wonderful night, I can hand on heart highly recommend this venue and the 'Bistro Menu' evenings they hold. If you get the opportunity, give them a try, I've added the information for the next menu they are offering at the bottom of this blog post. 

You can find out more on the Merchant Tea Rooms website, here on their website. 

They also have a Facebook page, which you can find here. 

Below details the menu we had when we attended on Friday 18th November 2022. 

I believe the next bistro menu is this one, pictured below, which i think will be valid for the next two weeks however to confirm please do contact them directly.