Restaurants

A warm blast of camaraderie envelops you on entering this popular branch of the worldly wise chain. At lunchtimes Giraffe pulls in a substantial family crowd; children are given balloons and baby-cinos, proper food and plenty of attention. With popularity come the usual drawbacks, however. Having to wait for a table is a common occurrence, and the high customer turnover often results in inadequate clean-ups between sittings. Nonetheless, the staff are clearly chosen for their sunny ways and the food is gratifying: in terms of both value and taste. Meals are large, colourful ensembles. Our favourite is the vegetarian meze plate, starring falafel, houmous, beetroot, tabouleh, Tunisian ratatouille and warm pitta. Next we sampled a brace of burgers – one Aberdeen Angus and one lamb kofta – both juicy and delicious. Salads are imaginative, the ‘sunshine powerfood’ version is bursting with nuts, seeds, and edamame beans alongside the usual leaves. Brunch stuff (such as stacked pancakes, waffles, and eggs and bacon) is often praised too, as is the Union Roasters coffee. Don’t leave without ordering pudding; the apple, rhubarb and ginger crumble is fab but this time we tried a warm pecan, walnut and cranberry pie and weren’t disappointed.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009