Great dining at the Potted Hen, Belfast

I was aware that the Potted Hen had been recognized through several awards and had read that it had been included in the top 100 UK restaurants.  For this reason, I was very keen to try it out and was delighted when my friend Pamela told me she had booked it.

We met beforehand for a couple of refreshing cocktails in the Merchant Hotel, which always provides a great start to any evening.

Kir Royales consumed, we wandered along to the restaurant which is conveniently located nearby in St Annes square in the Cathedral quarter of Belfast.

On arrival, I was struck by the warmth of the place.  Not just the temperature, although that was a joy on a cold December night, especially given the high ceilings and large windows, but also the amosphere with conversations buzzing round the restaurant and some delightful cooking aromas.

We were greeted warmly by the owner and led to our table where we mulled over the menus with a refreshing G&T.  We really were spoilt for choice and unable to make a decision about starters we opted for a half and half sharing option.  Pamela chose the warm goats cheese with nut crumble and stewed grapes (£5.25) while I opted for the chicken liver pate with red onion mamalade and homemade brioche (5.95).  Both were good choices and bizarrely a half portion of each actually worked well together.  The nut crumble provided a lovely contrasting texture to the warm cheese.  The pate was as smooth as butter and the sweetness of the brioche offset the tang of the chutney.

For my main, I chose the risotto (£10.50) which had a surprising chilli kick.  I sometimes find risottos to be a little bit greasy but this one was delicious and all the better for the warmth of the chilli.

Only one thing struck me as incongruous and that was the fact that the restaurant is overlooked by a very busy gym with a huge window front.  It is slightly offputting to be watching a row of people sweating on treadmills while tucking into fine fayre.  I did feel a little bit guilty and resolved to visit the gym the next day.

Next time (and yes, there definitely will be a next time), I shall simply choose the seat with my back to the gym and dine entirely guilt- free!