Crème – Photo by Local Data Company
The first time I visited Crème was a couple of years ago when some friends held their wedding reception there, the friends both worked in hospitality and so we knew they’d pick somewhere to impress…and it did.
On the outskirts of Nottingham, in Stapleford, Crème is one of those places I kept meaning to go back to, so I recently made the effort and went for Sunday lunch. The restaurant didn’t seem to have changed much in terms of decor. They have a beautiful, light seating area to enjoy a drink with the restaurant being decorated in calming whites. There are some nice touches including a screen to shield a door which was regularly used by staff. The times I’ve sat in a restaurant near a kitchen door or toilet door and felt I was in the middle of the ring road is too frequent, so many other restaurants could learn from Crème. The art work on the wall also complimented the elegant decor and colour scheme.
The restaurant, on its website, sells itself on being laid back and calm, the service itself however was a little too slow if anything. We waited a long time for somebody to come and take our order then there was another wait for the food and for the table to be cleared, so much so that when it came to desserts I ordered my coffee at the same time to avoid the predicted wait, and yet the restaurant wasn’t that busy.
I was driving so avoided alcohol and opted for bottled water which I would advise. One of the party who was drinking alcohol ordered a jug of tap water which had a weird taste, almost like the veg had been boiled in it.
Pan Roast Chicken – Crème
The cuisine is modern British. I skipped the starter and just before my main course arrived I was offered a bread roll. I was really hungry by now so happily accepted. The roll was lovely and fresh and top marks for actually having butter you could spread. For my main course I ordered the Pan Roast Chicken, which arrived with mash and roasties. The dish was well presented but the roasties were a let down, they seemed like the type that comes from a freezer bag rather than a green grocer. The mash though was lovely and soft and tasty. The chicken, what can I say about the chicken? I wish there was something but it tasted of nothing, weirdly not even of chicken. Slightly on the pink side I left most of it and tucked into the bowl of accompanying vegetables. The vegetables to be fair were beautifully cooked. Broccoli and Cauliflower cooked just to the right point were accompanied by carrots which had been spagettied. They tasted perhaps like they had been drizzled with syrup or honey as they we’re quite sweet but it worked. The only thing I would say is that they perhaps should have been served with tongs as they were really difficult to pick up with the spoon provided. Gravy was served in a boat to accompany the meal.
Bread & Butter Pudding with Crème Anglaise – Crème
