Adorned with potted plants and canopies swaying in the summer breeze, the chic garden terrace is an idyllic dining spot
Laura Nightingale at Surrey’s alluring Lion and Lamb Yard avenue(Image: Laura Nightingale)
Snuggled down a cobbled side street in one of Surrey’s prettiest market towns is a delightful French restaurant oozing with classical flare.
The epitome of Parisian brasserie dining, I felt like I was just moments from the Eiffel Tower when I dined there this week.
Boasting a beautiful garden terrace perfect for alfresco drinks and people watching, I grabbed an idyllic table under an umbrella and rekindled fond memories of a previous trip to the romantic city.
I was invited to try out Côte Brasserie’s new menu at its Farnham restaurant hidden down the alluring Lion and Lamb Yard avenue, a short walk from the neighbourhood’s historic fairytale castle.
The extensive menu refresh designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef Steve Allen, features everything from affordable lunches and leisurely breakfasts to indulgent weekend brunches and timeless classics.
Among the highlights is the return of the brand’s iconic Prix Fixe value menu at a lower price than ever before.
Available Monday to Friday from 11.30am, guests can enjoy two courses for £19.95 or three courses for £23.95, with an expanded selection of starters, mains and desserts.
The breakfast and brunch offering has also expanded and features a new and very tempting Free-Flow French Toast, where guests can choose from a selection of toppings and enjoy unlimited refills, alongside a new Brunch Burger and optional 90 minutes of free-flowing fizz.
For the first time in Côte’s history, the menu also welcomes one of Britain’s most-loved dishes. Plaice Frites combines perfectly cooked fish with crushed petit pois, house-made tartare sauce and Côte’s signature free-flowing frites, bringing together the best of British comfort food and French brasserie tradition.
Côte Brasserie in Farnham is beautiful (Image: Laura Nightingale)
Steve Allen, Côte’s executive chef, said: “One of the best parts of my job is hearing what our guests think. And over the last few months, I’ve heard one thing rather clearly, guests missed some of our old favourites.
“When we introduced our last menu, we made some big changes. While many were well received, there were a few dishes that you weren’t quite ready to say au revoir to.
“We’ve brought back some of the dishes you’ve been asking for, alongside new recipes inspired by the regions, flavours and traditions that make French food so special. I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.”
With the wind blowing in my hair, and my sandals resting on the gorgeous cobbles beneath me, I sat back and sipped on a chilled glass of fizz (Crémant de Bourgogne) served stylishly in a vintage martini glass.
I kept lunch classy and went for one of Côte’s classic standout dishes to see if it lived up to the authentic French standards.
I order the 7oz fillet steak blue and it exceeded my expectations.
Served with a baby gem wedge drenched in a house dressing and accompanied by a pot of golden, ultra crispy fries (which are unlimited by the way), the whole meal was spot on.
In fact, the entire experience was wonderful. From the attentive staff, to the unique setting, I felt relaxed and content and would have happily sat there all day reliving my Parisian escapade with a little pooch beside me in the heart of Surrey.
Laura’s lunch – 7oz fillet steak with fries (Image: Laura Nightingale)
How to visit Côte Brasserie
Address: Lion and Lamb Yard, Farnham, GU9 7LL.Opening times: Monday to Thursday 8am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 8am to 11pm and Sunday 9am to 10pmBook a table: Visit cote.co.uk or call 01252 820194- request an outdoor table!Parking: Waitrose car park is a two-minute walk away. Long Garden Way, Farnham, GU9 7HA. Pay and display.Dogs and children welcome.
Dining and Cooking