Food Review by PadThaiPaul (Paul Wolfenden)
It was time for a self-indulgent treat and an opportunity to support a local Southport business.
My friend Debs and I dined at The Lansdowne Bistro recently.
Tucked away on Anchor Street, it can easily be found at the back of Sainsbury’s supermarket, in Southport town centre.
After being closed for a while, a new, young, likeable and dynamic team are operating things now.
Business partners Jamie Rae, looks after the front-of-house while Paddy Tindall, who is the son and chef of the previous owner Mark Tindall, runs the kitchen.
Smoked salmon and prawns on a bed of salad with a side pot of Marie Rose sauce at the Lansdowne Bistro in Southport
Operating in challenging times, this passionate duo have a real job on their hands, but seem to be approaching it with much enthusiasm backed-up with experience in the industry, passion and knowledge.
Inside, the venue is relatively small, with a bar on the left hand side and well-spaced tables arranged in the rectangular dining area.
Furnishings are traditional and the vast array of wall-coverings are fascinating.
This really is a unique venue, with a distinctly cosy, homely and quality feel.
We were warmly greeted and shown to our table.
Tempura battered king prawns with a seperate sweet, mildly chilli dip at the Lansdowne Bistro in Southport
The menu isn’t vast, but is well laid-out and clear explanations of the various dishes are provided and proved extremely tempting.
The restaurant specialises in meat, fish and seafood.
Vegetarians are also welcome and catered for.
Whilst enjoying a bottle of Birra Moretti (330ml at £3.50) and a striking-looking and apparently delicious Mojito cocktail (thank you Debs for the input) (£6.95) we opted for our starters and mains.
I ordered smoked salmon and prawns on a bed of salad with a side pot of marie rose sauce ( £7.95).
Debs enjoyed tempura battered king prawns with a seperate sweet, mildly chilli dip (£6.95).
Complimentary chunky bread and thick knobs of butter were brought to our table, which was a nice touch and proved the perfect accompaniment.
8oz fillet steak with a separate peppercorn sauce and trimmings at the Lansdowne Bistro in Southport
For mains, I had an 8oz fillet steak with a separate peppercorn sauce and trimmings (£24.95).
Debs had an oven baked fillet of sea bass fillet on a bed of “tight” fennel sauce (£14.95).
The mains included a large bowl of four fresh vegetables and a choice of new potatoes or home-made chips.
We opted for the new potatoes, which they were laced in butter, cooked to perfection and simply divine.
Oven baked fillet of sea bass fillet on a bed of “tight” fennel sauce at the Lansdowne Bistro in Southport
Dishes were well presented, skillfully-cooked and clearly contained top-quality produce.
My thick, juicy steak was superb. Fat and gristle-free, I asked for it cooked medium and in my opinion it was cooked to perfection.
Thank you, Paddy, you know how to make your diners happy!
Portion sizes were good throughout the meal.
A trio of desserts at the Lansdowne Bistro in Southport
We finished off with A trio of desserts which were delicious and proved the perfect finish to a fine meal.
Service was relaxed, friendly and yet efficient and professional.
The wine list looks like a lot of thought has gone into it. We will have to return to do it justice.
Prices are premium for the town centre, but for the quality delivered, The Landsdowne Bistro offers value for money.
In summary, the venue is characterful and comfortable, service very good and the food was top class.
We will be back and wish the whole team well on their culinary journey. The Lansdowne Bistro is a credit to Southport.
Well Recommended.
You can call the Lansdowne Bistro directly on 01704 500002.
It’s worth noting, that due to its location and surroundings, there is no option for outside dining.
PRO TIP: parking on Lord Street or Hoghton Street is free after 6pm and the restaurant is just two to three minutes walk from each.
You can read more of my food reviews on Trip Advisor. I write there as PadThaiPaul.
Take a look here…. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Profile/PadThaiPaul
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