Eating Out: Hilton Garden Inn

Jul 4 2012

Hilton Garden Inn Image 1

THE Hilton Garden Inn has changed names several times over recent years but one constant has been the quality of its restaurant.

Whether the name outside was the City Inn, Mint or its current moniker, it has always been a pleasant and relaxed place to enjoy very good food.

Returning on a Sunday evening, I was pleased to see that it was “plus ca change”.

The restaurant is still bright and airy, a little formal and with that fantastic view over the Clyde.

In fact, the view was so good that one diner actually broke off from his meal and nipped outside to take a picture of the sun bouncing off the river at sunset.

My partner and I decided to try a meal deal of three courses for a reasonable £21.95.

I began with ham hock and chicken terrine with spiced pear chutney. This was flavoursome but I would have liked the chutney to have had more of a kick to it.

My partner, a big cheese fan, wolfed down her whipped Brie de Meaux which came with Melba toast and a salad.

I have heard people praise the quality of the meat at the restaurant and my main – rump of Perthshire beef – was excellent.

Cooked medium rare, this burst with flavour and was served with horseradish mash potatoes and cauliflower puree. Across the table, the chicken Milanese, which can be a heavy dish, was light and more-ish. This was accompanied by crush potatoes, chive and garlic butter and when I sampled it, I almost regretted ordering the beef.

We shared a bottle of juicy 2011 Argento Chardonnay Viognier (£20).

The meal was rounded off with an individual apple tart and a ball of cinnamon ice cream.

This was well executed and the perfect full-stop at the end of an excellent meal.

So whatever name may be outside, the restaurant remains an excellent pick for a special meal out.