The Hale Grill, 183 Ashley Road, Hale WA15 9SD
Telephone 0161 941 7851 Website www.blackhouse.uk.com

What they say: “The HALE GRILL sits proudly on the 'highstreet' of one of the oldest roads in the village, holding the traditions of Hale close to its heart
showcasing a produce-driven menu boasting freshly prepared, mouth-watering dishes. A mix of local country gents' and village dwellers and a host of young
professionals escaping fast paced city living beat a ready path to the door and make 'the HALE GRILL' one of the most highly sought after restaurant
destinations.”

I visited this restaurant before I began writing this column and was unimpressed on that occasion. However, a very attractive January offer was enough to
entice me back.

There is an impressive online reservation facility.

As usual in Hale we parked in the ‘Pay and Display’ car park near The Co-Operative. The Hale Grill is situated nearby on a corner on the other side of Ashley Road.

The restaurant was quite busy. Perhaps the attractive January offer was having the desired effect. The wine list is comprehensive. We had a
couple of gasses of Shiraz and a jug of iced water. Warm, tasty bread arrived at the same time.

The menu is extensive and varied. There is a good selection of starters, a lovely display of fresh fish at the counter and
lots of good steaks including Japanese Kobe fillet at £50. I could be sniffy here and proclaim the merits of Chateaubriand,
but as this is also on their menu the wind has left my sails and I shall demur.

My colleague did not have a starter; I had a home made creamy vegetable soup, warming and delicious.

We both went for fillet steaks which were perfectly cooked. We ordered healthy side salads which we carefully balanced with fattening chips.

The pudding menu is also impressive with hot and cold choices, but alas, as it was beyond our physical capacity, we finished
with two nice cappuccinos.

The service was friendly and helpful and we enjoyed our lunchtime visit.

Even though we were using a promotion the bill was sizable, but we had consumed an upmarket lunch of excellent quality.

And TMD’s Verdict:

Atmosphere8/10
Service 8/10
Food 9/10

Will we return?

Yes, this is a good restaurant for fine steaks.