HAVING repeatedly sped past the alluring pavement terrace of Locale on my bicycle, tongue watering, expectations were high as we sat down to enjoy what might have been the last outdoor dining experience of the summer.
That said, I am sure the appealing new cocktail menu will persuade many more to brave the risk of a slight evening chill, particularly when news gets around that the place is offering half price happy hour for two hours every week night.
In an area where there are scant few classy cocktails within obvious reach, Locale is flying the flag for inventive mixology - the science of interesting drinks - and has recruited one of the biggest names in the game, Andy Pearson, to come with an inspired Italian-themed range.
I launched straight in with the house special, a twist on the classic Bellini involving wild strawberry liqueur and Prosecco, and featuring the smallest
strawberries known to mankind - not the most manly of drinks, perhaps, but pleasing nonetheless, and almost as good as my wife's watermelon and lychee Margarita.
Purely for the sake of journalistic thoroughness, we followed those with a Cinful Mule, a finely balanced concoction of rum, honey liqueur, cinnamon, lychee and ginger beer, and a show-stopping basil and cracked black pepper Margarita, which offered a potent hit without overwhelming its tequila base.
Thinking it might be sensible to start soaking up the booze, we ordered the Antipasto Locale, a vegetarian-friendly sharing platter generously laden with marinated and pickled delights. Highlights included sweet baby onions soaked in balsamic vinegar, sunblushed tomatoes which fizzed on the tongue, a smoky aubergine caponata and freshly made buffalo mozarella, scooped up with warm foccaccia.
Visitors on a shoestring could probably leave it at that, but feeling gluttonous, we decided to press on
and try a couple of main dishes. Despite a warning from our charming waitress that I might find it 'a bit oily', I went for egg pappardelle with veal and herb ragu, which in fact tasted pleasingly fresh and delicate. Oily it may be, but in a good way.
My wife's risotto with new season asparagus, garden pea and broad beans had a consistency which was perhaps a little too firm, but was again made with good quality ingredients.
Washed down with a delicious glass of Gavi di Gavi and capped with a shot of Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, and with friendly service throughout from the restaurant's delightful staff, I defy anyone not to enjoy a similarly languid evening on Locale's terrace - just get down there before the cold winter nights close in.
