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I’ve been
called many things, many times over the years, but
unfortunately, I do not recall being called “romantic” too
often. Until last Saturday that is, when I decided to treat my
partner to a day out and a picnic at The Embankment, Bedford.
For once, the weather forecast was right and we could hardly
have chosen a better day!
Ideally
situated, as the name would imply, on the Embankment, this
hotel, pub and restaurant is already well established as a venue
that consistently serves food of the highest quality. Recently,
I heard they were also offering picnics to clients who can
either order on arrival or pre-order by dialling 01234 261332.
The picnic
menu is set for two people and costs just £18. (You can view the
menu choices below). You’ll also receive a blanket, wooden
cutlery and serviettes. Once you’ve finished, simply return your
basket and blanket along with any rubbish. This is a fantastic
and ingenious idea from The Embankment that will surely prove a
massive hit with customers in the summer months.
The sun was
shining as we sat in The Embankment’s beer garden and it wasn’t
long before our picnic basket was brought to our table. This
arrived alongside a lovely ice bucket containing a bottle of
Prosecco Supmante Brut (£23.50). I wondered how many people have
heard about the picnics because as I looked around, I noticed
several people picking up their menus asking themselves why they
hadn’t done the same.
We took a
short walk, crossed the river and found a cosy location in the
park in which to enjoy our food. We had opted for the vegetarian
option (see below) but also ordered some smoked salmon, Double
Worcester and rare roast beef.
The vegetarian
option offers spicy cous cous, which was delicious with a subtle
kick that had you itching for more. Although this was a little
dry, a sip of the Prosecco proved an ideal accompaniment. The
red pepper houmous was outstanding – big on flavour with a
lovely thick and creamy texture. These dishes are packed in
small cardboard containers meaning the contents stay cold and
fresh for some time.
The baguettes
were still warm as we took them from the basket and I tried half
with the rare roast beef. This too, was incredibly tasty and
although I always add horseradish to my beef, the meat here was
so flavoursome and tender that it didn’t really need any
condiments.
The smoked
salmon went down a treat and I enjoyed this with the other half
of my baguette and then easily finished the remainder of the
fish on it’s own. I would have loved some black pepper but I
guess there’s only so much you can fit inside the basket!
Now,
considering I am someone who quite likes spicy food, you will
need to be careful if you come across a small carton of Bombay
mix. This was easily some of the best Bombay mix I have ever
tried but boy, did it come with a kick! This was hot! Where’s
that Prosecco?
The Double
Worcester was simply perfect alongside the grapes and this is a
really nice cheese that is tasty, but not too strong.
My partner
enjoyed some huge strawberries to finish and all that was left
for us to do was pack the basket, enjoy the rest of the Prosecco,
lie down and relax. This is when she looked at me, smiled, and
told me our venture to The Embankment had been hugely enjoyable
and very romantic!
This was a new
experience for me (no – not being called romantic!) but enjoying
a pre-prepared picnic to order. Some of the simplest ideas are
the best and if you’re looking to treat a loved one or simply
have a day out with the family – then a picnic at The Embankment
will surely get the thumbs up from everyone.
For 2 people
£18 a basket
Meat
Caesar Salad,
Crisps, Strawberries, Baguettes, Rare Roast Beed and Piccalilli,
Double Worcester
Vegetarian
Spicy Cous
Cous, Potato Salad, Baguettes, Red Pepper Houmous and Crudities,
Grapes, Crisps
Fish
Smoked Salmon,
Taramasalata, Cucumber & Carrot Sticks, Baguettes, Crisps, Mixed
Green Salad with Tomato and Red Onion, Strawberries
Kids Picnic £8
Cheese and
Tomato Sandwich, Apple, Fruit Juice, Crisps, Chocolate Biscuits
£25 deposit
taken for all baskets |
