Did restaurant named new best in Britain last year live up to its crown?

We tried Steakhouse in Staplehurst that was named new best restaurant in Britain last year. But did it live up to its crown?

The Mayfair London styled restaurant Bleau Steakhouse located in a village just outside of Maidstone in the garden of Kent offers a fine dining experience.

Open Tuesday to Sundays for breakfast, lunch and dinner, for my experience I went for dinner and here are my views from food and staff, to the design.

Food 5/5

For starters I had the halloumi jam, and my mum had the roast aubergine and ratatouille.

The halloumi was an absolute delight, it was grilled perfectly and the sweet sauce with fruit on the top added that extra sweet flavour. The combination of sweet and savoury was simply delicious.

Both of the dishes were presented so well and by the time we had finished we were craving what our mains were going to taste like.

Photo credit Felicity Burrington. Roast Aubergine and Ratatouille.

Photo credit Felicity Burrington. Halloumi Jam.

I went for the fillet steak, cooked medium rare, with rosemary fries for main course. My mum had the lamb chops with mash and vegetables as sides which I also shared.

As soon as the mains got brought over it already looked unbelievable, and I couldn’t wait to tuck in.

Firstly, the steak was cooked to perfection and was so tender and juicy. There was a stunning sear on the outside of the steak which was pink and succulent on the inside. The portion of the fillet was just right for me too and to add that extra flavour I had the peppercorn sauce. The golden fries were wonderful, and the vegetables was cooked to perfection, not too hard but not too soft and I could really taste their natural deliciousness.

Even though by this point I was full I thought it would be rude not to try some of the truffle mash, the creamy texture and rich taste of the truffle is a must try which just melted inside my mouth. The quality of the food was amazing, and I enjoyed it all. My mum and I both finished all our food and were satisfied after.

Photo credit Felicity Burrington. Main meals.

Interior 5/5

Walking in you straight away lose the fact your in a countryside village, you feel as if your in a restaurant in London.

The decoration and interior is blue themed and very elegant and sophisticated. All the tables and bar area were polished and clean from the floor and walls carefully designed enhancing that fine dine experience even more. The walls behind me had greenery on them which to me, also gave it that slight vibrant and relaxing atmosphere. The setting and design is memorable and certainly adds to the experience.

Photos credit Felicity Burrington.

Staff/hospitality 5/5

As soon as you step in you’re greeted by friendly staff who welcome you straight to your table and make you feel comfortable. The staff ensured I was given all menus drinks, cocktails and food. Their friendly demeanour creates a welcoming and and inviting vibe which always adds to the overall meal.

Additionally, they delivered our drinks and meals with a smile on their faces and if we needed anything they made it clear that they were available for me to ask.

I was happy to be served by such a wonderful and efficient team.

Overall thoughts

Overall, I was delighted by my experience and feel that Bleu Steakhouse lives up to its crown of being named best new restaurant last year. I didn’t only love the food but enjoyed my fine dining premium service and was served by such a hardworking team.

I would highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to going back.