Ely has a large selection of restaurants but the newest one gives you a taste of the seaside by the river.
The Red Herring, owned by TLC Inns opened officially yesterday after a weekend of successful soft launches and oh how the weather tested them.
We were invited to see the new restaurant alongside the Visit Ely team and the Mayor, Mike Rouse and we were not disappointed with the decor. It brought back a taste of old fashioned seaside fun with wooden fish on the walls and old drawn photos on the wallpaper.
The place is filled with nik-naks, lighthouses, old cameras, popcorn machine, Punch & Judy style bar and so much more. While you’re there, find the crocodile and soon a shark is to be installed on the ceiling.
The Red Herring is also proud that it has adopted the eco-friendly approach from the start using only recyclable materials in all its packaging including paper straws. On the wall is a beach and above it, recoverable plastics from the beach and it is hoped to raise awareness against the use of single-use plastic.
We were served by Chas, a very helpful and knowledgeable guy about the food and we decided to try the traditional seaside meal, Haddock & Chips. Most of the food seems to offer gluten-free options and there seemed to be a good selection to cater to all food choices. We even had the choice of mushy peas and or curry sauce (not sure when curry sauce became a tradition but apparently it is in Wales).
The food was quick and the fish was fantastic. Covered in a lovely crisp and light batter from tip to tip. Chips were also light inside and crispy on the outside. The portion was just right and left enough for a pudding. Chocolate Sundae for me and Toffee Apple Waffles for Alison. Both very much enjoyed and Rouse tried to steal it. Cheeky Mayor.
We got to spend time with restaurant manager Aaron and owner Steve who showed us around and explained their vision. I think if you had tried to tell me before the visit, I wouldn’t have got it, but once there I did very much so.
Steve and Jo Haslam, owners of TLC are setting new trends within the service industry by opening quirky news bars and restaurant throughout East Anglia and Essex including Wiff Waff in Ipswich. TLC also own the local local Cutter and Riverside Bar & Kitchen.
It is fantastic to see another non-chained restaurant opening in Ely and it is set in the best place with the beautiful scenic surroundings of the river. As we were there The Hotel Waternimf came floating by as the sun began to set. Definitely, a place to try as a local or a visitor to our modest City.
You can find more information about The Red Herring on their website: http://www.redherringrestaurants.co.uk/ (which is under construction) or for now their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/redherringely/. It will prove popular especially on hot days so book now to avoid disappointment on 01353 664388.
