A la Colthard/English’s revisited

After a couple of iffy meals that led one diner friend to complain, I’m pleased to report normal service is restored in one of my fave restaurants – English’s.

There has been a significant departure with manager Andre Pienaar returning to his native Cape Town.

His place is taken by oyster man Jonathan Spiers who has plied his trade in many a successful restaurant, notably Langans.

He greeted us warmly with 3 glasses of Rathfinny, a leading Sussex vineyard sparkling methode chamnagnoise.

You cannot call it champagne though it regularly outperforms that in tasting competitions.

My oysters were rather bland.

In my experience the best oysters are the Bluff ones from New Zealand.

My sea bass in papillote was scrumptious and I enjoyed my Eton mess pud.

Having spent most of the day watching events unfurl in Ukraine, with benefit of of expert analysis from son Humphrey via the latest information from his mobile, there was something reassuring about being in a restaurant I know well with friends I know well.