Restaurant Review - Sylvan Oak
....... a real gem, situated in the most charming old world surroundings, right in the middle of Findon Village.
We were greeted into the Sylvan Oak restaurant in Findon Village with warm smiles and led through the sophisticated inner sanctuary of the restaurant to the intimate, outdoor summer terrace. On a balmy summer evening it felt like being on holiday in the Mediterranean, but with Sussex flint stone walls peeping through the climbing plants around the pergola. We felt like we were being welcomed into a family home. Within minutes we were chatting with diners at the neighbouring table, whose food gave us a tantalising view of what was to follow. Although relaxed and sociable, the atmosphere was intimate but with privacy easily achieved. We pondered the mouth-watering combinations on the starter menu, the like you might see on Master Chef. The Wild Mushroom Frittata with Truffle Dressed Pea Shoots was exquisite!
The main courses we chose were perfectly presented and a delight to savour; Pork Belly Glazed with Sweet Soy and Mustard that melted in the mouth, served with Vegetables à la Grecque and Celeriac Puree, River Trout that reminded me of the fish I caught locally and ate fresh as a child, served with peas and other delights. All prepared by award winning chef Sinan Kalan and team. Sinan takes his influences from both traditional and contemporary styles including French, Middle Eastern and Asian and thus create simply melt in the mouth taste sensations. With our meal we shared our first bottle of Lebanese red wine, recommended by the staff as a good blend of several grapes. It was complex and satisfying yet reasonably priced at £16 per bottle (as was the meal at a mere £16 for 2 courses!). We could not resist sharing the Rhubarb Knickerbocker Glory for dessert! Another fine experience!
The staff were entertaining and very welcoming, but not at all intrusive. They had an air of comfort and relaxed confidence that was nicely reassuring. The kitchen, with its wonderful head chef Sinan and his team, is visible through a large open hatch onto the restaurant. The kitchen is pristine and a joy to watch. The restaurant prides itself on using produce from sustainable sources and uses wild, organic and free-range produce. They offer menus that are in tune with seasonal availability.
You can enjoy a Sunday roast with a twist on the traditional between: 12–3pm. You could tuck in to a sumptuous Roast Beef served Italian style with Black Olive Yorkshire Pudding! Wonderful!
Sylvan Oak has recently celebrated a ‘Highly Commended’ award in the finals of the ‘Restaurant of the Year Award’ with the Sussex County Times. It is a real gem, situated in the most charming old world surroundings, right in the middle of Findon Village.
You can book on 01903 873385, or online at www.sylvanoak.co.uk.
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