Midland Hotel Restaurant Review

You'd certainly never get lost looking for this beautiful yet imposing white curved iconic hotel on the seaside of Morecambe promenade. I have been to the Midland a few times and I still love the moment you walk up the steps of the grand entrance to this unique hotel.

Once inside we marvelled at the beautiful sweeping staircase and intricate art deco features which never fail to amaze, whilst moving over to the large central bar area on the right, where we were greeted immediately and asked if we would like a drink at the bar. This we did whilst we perused the menus and took in our surroundings and the whole lovely experience…well why not!? The menus were very easy to look through, however the choice from such mouthwatering options, was a little more difficult. I narrowed it down to two and then finally decided on sampling a couple of the chef’s recommendations. Restaurant Manager Victoria came over to lead us to our gorgeous sea view table in the bright and airy conservatory. My immediate response was "wow" as I looked through the conservatory glass out to the uninterrupted sea view and across to the mountains before I had taken a seat. A lovely light, open, long room with a high ceiling which runs gracefully along the back of the hotel.

It wasn't long before we were offered a choice of locally made bread by Franklynn, we both couldn't resist the sun dried tomato on offer. And then the starters arrived, I had the chicken liver parfait, toasted brioche and sundried tomato chutney. The parfait was lovely and soft against the toasted brioche and the chutney added that extra zing. My husband had the twice baked Lancashire cheese soufflé, red onion marmalade and leaf salad. The soufflé was light and fluffy and the marmalade complemented the Lancashire cheese perfectly.

Gradually more diners came in, mainly couples and everyone had the same amazing view, the atmosphere was relaxing, made all the more pleasant with the low key music in the background. The main courses arrived and the presentation was wonderful. My husband had the Goosnargh chicken supreme, fondant potatoes, roasted vegetables and port sauce. The chicken, so I am told, was lovely and the vegetables were perfectly cooked with a port sauce that was just amazing. I had the pan fried fillet of seabass, herbed polenta cake, tomato and fennel chutney and sauce vierge. The seabass melted in the mouth while the herbed polenta cake, although completely new to me, had a wonderful texture and was delicious.

The next decision was the dessert menu and I again decided to go with the chef’s recommendation which, lucky for me, included chocolate. This dessert was unbelievably morish, such a delicious light mix of chocolate and cherry roulade with chantilly cream. I will definitely be back for this one! My husband chose the trio of raspberry desserts (mousse, jelly and sable) with Amaretto ice cream. When it arrived it looked breathtaking; a lovely raspberry coloured display of miniature desserts. Everything was
so light to eat with a delicious raspberry flavour.

Throughout the evening all the staff were excellent, on the ball, pleasant and professional. The wine list had a great choice from all over the world, which I think on my next visit will be a must.

Serving contemporary cuisine, the restaurant offers a choice menu of locally sourced dishes inspired by Chef Alicia McCabe. Everything you'd expect to be there is there, from our famous Morecambe Bay shrimps to locally sourced meat, fish, cheese and ice cream. Sitting in the restaurant at this internationally renowned Art-Deco classic hotel makes you wonder how it must have felt in it's glamorous heyday. How wonderful to have such a historical and lovingly restored hotel to go and dine at so close by.

Review by Nicola Hossack.