Review: The Noble House Restaurant and Bar, Brunswick Street, Liverpool

Opened just over a year ago, The Noble House has flourished, to build a reputation as an elite fine dining destination in the heart of Liverpool's business district.

Greeted with a warm welcoming smile at the front desk, highly attentive, friendly and attentive staff foster a relaxed atmosphere from the moment you pass through the grand stone archway into the grade II-listed Heywood building.

The decor is interesting, with private red leather booths and dark wood tables occupying a pleasantly spacious dining area.

It is neither too intimate nor barn-like a venue and thus ideal for large groups or a romantic rendezvous. A central chandelier dressed in delicate chain mail immediately draws the eye, hanging gracefully above a large solid oak table.

The Noble House describes itself as "new deco" and the 'speakeasy meets modernity' theme results in rare melange of decorative styles. However, combined with excellent service and beautifully presented dishes, an overall feeling of elegance abounds.

Arriving ten minutes early, we were invited to share a drink and bowl of marinated olives in the bar area whilst perusing the menu. And what a generous culinary selection is on offer. Rarely have my boyfriend and I felt so torn over dinner, but with each dish sounding more mouth-watering than the last, an extra ten minutes proved useful in choosing our feast.

The tempting array of European cuisine included lighter options of House Burgers and Salads, Farinaceous (pasta dishes), Meat, Steaks, Fish (a catch of your choice, which can then be prepared in five different styles) and Vegetarian. Decision is further complicated by a varied Specials board, on display to guests via a high-tech projection on the wall rather than traditional blackboard.

From an extensive and impressive wine cellar, we selected a deliciously smooth and fruity Italian red wine "Merlot del Lazio Togale", as we finalised deliberations.

To start we chose Creamy Chicken Liver Parfait served with sage & shallot butter with mulled berry and onion relish (£6.25) and a half pint Tankard of Prawns, lemon and crusty bread with marie rose sauce (7.95 for half/12.95 for a pint.) Quirky presentation in a small silver tankard made a nice talking point as the fresh selection of juicy prawns, crisp lettuce and thick slices of bread were devoured. The homemade Marie Rose sauce, served separately so as not to drown the dish, and sharp lemon flavour complemented the succulent shrimp so well I regretted not ordering the full pint. As we voiced worries the bread portion could be insufficient, our seemingly telepathic waitress appeared with an extra two toasted slices alongside the parfait. The only resulting complaint - not enough of the exceedingly moreish berry and onion relish to go round!

For main tried a Welsh Dry Aged 8oz fillet steak topped with garlic butter, portobello mushroom compote, grilled cherry tomatoes and sweet roasted pepper (£23.95) Well cooked and truly scrumptious the fillet satisfied my hunger while leaving just enough room not to feel gorged.

My boyfriend opted to try cod prepared in the Indian style (a tough choice between Traditional (Fish'n'Chips) Eastern, Cajun and Morrocan.) The fillet of cod was served with warm and soothing roast piquillo harissa and coconut broth with aromatic basmati rice (£15.95) Pleasantly filled and happy with the overall quality of the dish, perhaps after eyeing up my steak he felt he had the raw deal, he shared disappointment having expected a larger fish portion.

Dishes do not come with vegetables, so beware that prices could creep up on you, but we cared little as we tucked into seriously sumptious sides of Duck Fat Potato Wedges (£5), Honey and Thyme Roast Chantenay Carrots and Parsnips (£3.20) and Roast Vegetables and Scented Chickpeas (£3.20)

Although well-fed, we agreed room could be found for pudding and so our eyes wandered to the Desserts available. A sweet-toothed pair, this time our choice was made within moments; Assiette de chocolat, a plate filled with rich treats accompanied by chocolate fudge and ice cream (£7.95) and Baked American Toffee Apple Cheesecake, light, fluffy and sweet as can be. (£6.95). Divine, heavenly, glorious...we often turn to religion when describing desserts but these deserved every bit of magnification, food truly fit for the gods!

9/10 A noble reason to splash out.

The Noble House offers an Open Mic Night on Wednesdays, 'Friday Fizz' Champagne offers and Sunday lunch time entertainment with private event hospitality available.

Email info@thenoblehouse.co.uk for more information or to book a table.

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