The Parsonage Grill resides as part of the charming Old Parsonage Hotel on Broad Street. I spent nine months working next door to it and would often walk past it, enviously gazing at its menu. From the outside there is an almost unapproachable quality to the restaurant, aided by a roster of food that errs on the side of fine dining. However, not only is the food delicious, but the restaurant is welcoming and open to all who want a more expensive meal to enjoy.

The restaurant oozes class upon first entrance, so much so that it has the effect that my partner and I felt we had stumbled into a restaurant that was not for us. There is an open fire burning away, the décor is classy and the wall is decked with paintings that look, from a passing glance, like original works of art. My partner and I hadn't booked and had wandered in on a Friday evening, so they surely couldn't seat us. Yet after some initial confusion that we hadn't booked, the friendly staff found us a table to sit. There was a gentle hub of activity around us as we perused the menu. The meals on offer were classic British cuisines, executed with hints of modernity. Our menu choices were fish pie and chicken kiev, meals that could easily be produced at home, but not to the standard here.

Once we had gotten past our initial misgivings about our place at the restaurant, aided by a well-stocked basket of bread, the atmosphere relaxed. Our food came out quickly, but not so much that it prevented the flow of conversation. The chicken kiev arrived with rainbow chard and creamed potato. My partner loved the kiev, proving a well-cooked dish, a crispy coating over deliciously-moist meat. The potatoes were a fine compliment to the meal. My fish pie was flavoursome, filled with just the right amount of fish-to-sauce. There was a nice variety of types of fish in the pie, with hefty chunks and a sauce that was heavenly. The potatoes on top were soft and good-tasting. This was one of the best fish pies I had had. The food at the Parsonage Grill is exceedingly good, with decent, ample portions. I also had a delicious lemon presse to drink, which was just the right level of sweetness.

We both thoroughly enjoyed our meal at The Parsonage Grill. The warm ambience, fabulous art, attentive staff and nourishing food combined to allow us to overcome our fears about being misplaced at this high-end establishment. The restaurant really works to win you over and establish itself as a very good place for a meal, and for the last part it succeeds with aplomb.