Cutler and Co.

Barley Boy's birthday celebrations continued through to the following weekend. Birthdays last a week these days right? And I had decided to treat him to a boozy Sunday lunch at Cutler and Co.

Described as a casual and relaxed experience using beautiful seasonal produce with a shared menu this sounded right up our street.

I'm a fan of Andrew McConnell's food from the bistro deliciousness of Cumulus to the Asian notes at Supernormal and what was Golden Fields. I'm not such a big fan of the actual restaurant premises though with the exception of Supernormal. I find Cumulus get s a bit cramped and hectic. The tables are often too small for the array of dishes that constitute a sharing meal. And they're close together so it adds to the feel of being overcrowded. Back on point, the last time I went to Cutler and Co it was a Friday evening and I'm not sure if it was because it was the end of  a working week or the dim lighting and grey tones of the dining room but it felt very dark and zapped any remaining energy I did have from me.

But on this Sunday afternoon, the light shone through the windows and the whole place was uplifting, bright and cheery.

First up mixed olives, Padron peppers chargrilled and salted and whipped cod roe served with some bread.

This was a nice selection of little nibbles. I liked the salty and charred flavours of the peppers that were warm and soft with a bitter finish. The salty cod roe was cool and soft with a good savoury lingering flavour.

Next we had a sashimi dish, some delicious prosciutto that wast soft, porky and salty. Heirloom carrots with a creamy creme fraiche and a plate of a terrine like meat with sweet pickled onion slices.

We loved these "slightly bigger dishes than the nibbles" but still in line with the grazing style of the menu.

Main course wise there was a choice of individual plate of chicken or fish on the menu but also roast lamb shoulder to share. We couldn't resist the lamb shoulder which came with a pile of cabbage salad. McConnell's roast lamb shoulder is always so good and this did not disappoint and there was so much of it for the two of us. Great Sunday roast!

Dessert came in the form of an apple dessert with hay ice cream and a chocolate and berry affair. Steve had the apple and enjoyed it. I was impressed by the chocolate and berry as it erred on the side of light and I could eat it all. Usually chocolate desserts are a bit too heavy and cloying for me.

Sunday lunch at Cutler and Co is a real treat. It's good food, understated but professional service ad incredibly pleasant.