Frank about Victors...

There are some places which are just...extra special. Y’know? Places you reserve for special occasions; like birthdays, anniversaries, Wednesdays – the usual!

I had fallen in love with Victor’s menu instantly after searching for a new spot to indulge in with a good friend. With a vast menu comprising every craving from chateaubriand to fresh sushi, Victors seemed like just the place to shake off our working week and kick up our heels, and so off we ventured into the heart of Hale, to see if the restaurant delivered everything it promised.

The first thing you notice upon entering Victors is the sheer elegance of...well everything. Hanging wisteria fill the ceiling of the restaurant, evoking a gloriously peaceful and spring-time-feel, even when it’s lashing it down with rain outside.

Relaxed lighting, soft candles and even softer, plump couches to nestle into, my co-diner and I found ourselves immediately content in the environment as we excitedly pondered our dishes for the evening.

To kick-start our taste buds, we firstly opted for a portion of homemade Guacamole and plate of Chicken Lollipops to share.



The Guacamole in itself was pretty special. A combination of sweet pea, avocado and a gentle squeeze of lemon juice created the lightest, fresh flavours I’ve ever experienced with this dip. Shards of tortilla and dried sweet potato crisps stood proudly in the guac, the perfect delicately crispy spoons to scoop this delightful condiment, and shovel into our eager mouths with gusto. A definite must-order for the table (avid guac lovers – this will not disappoint!)

Next up were the Chicken Lollipops – this wouldn’t ordinarily be my first choice out of the vast starter options on the menu, but I was pleasantly surprised by their sheer brilliance – and would most definitely order again!



More gobstoppers than lollipops, this dish presents a sizeable portion of tender chicken thigh; lightly fried until crisp, served with chillis and a hearty dollop of coriander and lime mayonnaise (which desperately needs to be bottled and sold on the premises asap please).

The chicken was extra juicy and impossibly succulent, a wonderful contrast against the crunchy coating with an added fresh zing from the mayonnaise which I had generously dragged the pop through. Finger-lickin’ good.

The high standard of the starter greatly increased our excitement for the main. By this time, the restaurant was filled with Friday foodies, a couple of couples and pre-evening cocktail parties, preening to be noticed. The atmosphere was abuzz, but it was clear this was just an average night for Victors.

Our second course arrived, and boy did it look good.

My friend had decided on the Lil Burgers with a side of Parmesan and Truffle Fries whilst I had plumped for the Beef Wellington.

As you can imagine I was extremely happy with my choice.

Our legs twitching in anticipation as I took the obligatory food photo shots, I threw my camera to the side as we finally dove head first into our mains.

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My Beef Wellington was quite simply, sublime. The puff pastry crackled underneath my knife, before breaking to reveal the layers of decadence I was yet to sample. Cutting myself a sizeable forkful, I piled a mound of the softest mash drenched in red wine jus atop before taking a bite.

The beef filet just melted in the mouth. Cooked medium rare, it was the most sensational of steaks which required very little to make the overall flavour stand out. Complimenting the sumptuous flavours from the pâté and oaky minced mushrooms, the golden buttery taste of pastry was the final flourish which married the whole dish together.



The Lil Burgers were plump, hand-sized things of beauty. Luscious meat made even more scandalously naughty with a rich, indulgent cheddar and mac sauce, sandwiched by a minute, glistening brioche bun. Mouth-wateringly chompable.

Parmesan is a welcomed addition to any dish, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the already perfectly fried fries were made even more so thanks to this accompaniment.

Whilst this wasn’t the most economical meal I’ve ever dined on, I would definitely recommend it as a place to experience. With a £25 price tag, my Beef Wellington was a splurge I don’t often make; however the quality of both the food and the evening itself is reflective in the price, and with more and more restaurants charging for additional sides which used to be a given – the price points are not too dissimilar from eateries where you would get half the quality still for two thirds of the price.

So would I dine with Victors again? You bet your Beef Wellington I would. Most certainly the most indulgent meal I have had in a while – it provides a wonderful setting for an evening of good service and even better food. What can I say? It was a total victory.

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Posted: Monday 19th September 2016
ID: 2219 - 1757