Taste Test: The Hideout Bistro & Bar, Rossett

Chester Road, Rossett, Wrexham

Tel: 01244579682

Website: www.thehideoutbistro.co.uk

The old saying is 'you don't know what you have until its gone'.

And there were points in the last two years of the pandemic where this was definitely true of eating out.

But it's back! And people are making the most of it.

Having decided on a long-overdue catch up with some friends, we set our sights on supporting local.

Turns out we are spoilt for choice in this corner of North Wales, but for our first girls' night of the year, we were headed to the hidden but not-so-secret The Hideout in Rossett.

The venue is a feast for the eyes before you even set foot inside, as you cross a secret garden-style courtyard adorned in twinkling fairy lights.

The Hideout Bistro & Bar, Rossett.

I was told we'd be on a table by the door but despite initial fears over this, it posed no problem at all on the night.

The Hideout isn't big but has Tardis-like qualities across its two floors, and on our Saturday night outing, was proving incredibly popular.

There were two for £12 cocktails on offer but as the driver I asked if they had mocktails, and one was duly created for me.

It looked as special as its boozy counterparts, and a literal cherry on top was a nice touch.

The Hideout Bistro & Bar, Rossett - mocktail.

After our initial excitement of being 'out out', we turned our attention to the menu.

Starters included scallops, tuna, pork belly and pigeon but for two of us, there was one that really caught our eyes - house chive blini with asparagus wrapped in parma ham, whipped goats cheese mousse, candied walnuts and chive oil (£7.95).

It was utterly delicious. The mousse was light but sharp enough to balance the saltiness of the ham, and the candied walnuts gave the perfect sweetness.

If I could recreate this dish at home, I'd have had it every day since!

It was soon time for the mains, and the bar had been set high.

There is no lacking in choice for a main course at The Hideout. Mains included ox cheek, duck, pork, chicken and lamb dishes. There are several burger, pasta and pizza options too.

Often choosing meat-free, the harissa cauliflower steak with halloumi fries was a close winner for me but in the end I opted for the roasted red pepper, halloumi and mushroom burger with vegetarian pesto and fries (£13).

Both my companions went for the pan fried Scottish salmon supreme with wilted spinach, dressed new potatoes, asparagus, crispy coated egg and dill hollandaise sauce (£17.50).

All the mains were pretty generous portions, I certainly wasn't short of fries with mine!

But for me it was the medley of veg and cheese that were the star of my dish. Every mouthful was a different experience from the last, all bursting with flavour. Even the seed-topped bun was a real treat.

The girls' salmon looked good. One ate the skin, declaring she wouldn't normally but it was so deliciously crispy. Both their eggs remained beautifully golden and soft inside. Bravo!

The Hideout Bistro & Bar, Rossett - pan fried Scottish salmon supreme with wilted spinach, dressed new potatoes, asparagus, crispy coated egg and dill hollandaise sauce.

If you're feeling like you might have more of an appetite, sides include mac n cheese (£5), onion rings (£3.50) and the decadent-sounding truffle and parmesan fries (£4).

None of us had needed any side dishes, and only two of us had room for dessert.

The double chocolate brownie was tempting but I knew I'd need something a little lighter. Ticking all the boxes for me was the coconut and lemongrass panacotta with gingerbread crumb, glazed banana pudding and pineapple crisp (£6.50).

This was a visual delight, and while a delicate and light choice, it still felt like pudding.

One of my friends chose limoncello with sorbet and shortbread (£4), a refreshing end to her meal.

As more cocktails and wine were enjoyed by the non drivers, I ordered a cappuccino as a little pick-me-up.

It was days before Valentine's, and The Hideout was busy but there were plenty of staff on hand, and all were attentive, friendly and helpful.

Overall it had been the perfect setting, and food for a night we promised to do more often. We would all recommend and return again.

Bill total: £119.65