Our recommendation for a please-all dining this bank holiday
A home-cooked roast on Easter Sunday is a lovely idea in theory. But when it's you doing the shopping, cooking and cleaning for it, we can't blame you for wanting an easier option. Our tip for a restaurant that will give you a home-cooked, warm and welcoming feel without you having to magic all that up yourself, is Owens in Childwall in Liverpool.
This independent neighbourhood restaurant is as far away from conveyor belt cooking as you can imagine. It's the kind of place where you feel like the staff are genuinely happy you chose to eat there. And where the food looks and tastes as good (or better) than you could do at home. They're experts at looking after family groups and making everyone feel welcome (it's one reason this place is so popular with locals).
The owner Peter Horsley knows how to get all the basics right – it's accomplished cooking, with decent portion sizes, and an attention to detail that sets it apart. You'll see the quality throughout the main menu, which is Modern British with global influences. And you see it in the Sunday roasts.
This independent neighbourhood restaurant is as far away from conveyor belt cooking as you can imagine
On a recent visit we loved their roasted roulade of free range belly pork with a gorgeous fresh sage crust. It was served, as it should be, with crackling, roasting juices and classic roasties. Alongside it was a generous portion of steamed spring vegetables (baby carrots, French beans, broccoli and cauliflower).
The belly pork is just one of six roasts on their Sunday menu – other options are chicken, beef, lamb, duck and pheasant. Fish dishes include wine-poached loin of fresh salmon and flame-grilled sea bass fillets. Vegetarians have the option of sweet potato and roast pepper fricassee or pastry tartlet with eggs Florentine.
The starters include Bishop Blue cheese brule, fresh asparagus hummus on crostini, and croquettes of slow cooked ham hock. And the desserts are show-stoppers: go for the wild blueberry frangipane tart with clotted cream ice cream, or the sticky toffee apple pudding.
What's more, the prices are very reasonable for food of this quality. The Sunday menu is £15 for two courses, £20 for three courses, and kids are half price up to 6pm. If you can't make it on a Sunday then Confidential readers get 25% off food before 7.30pm Monday-Friday, and before 7pm on Saturday.
Still thinking about doing the cooking yourself for your Easter celebration? Didn't think so. Make sure you book in advance for Owens – it gets busy.
