The night we had to play a waiting game for dinner

“I feel like I’m at home in front of the telly!” exclaimed Mr Eating Out, amid careful mouthfuls of soup at the knee-high table.Plato’s was so packed that the only spot they were able to offer us was a low coffee table at a sofa in the bar area. Not ideal for eating out, but admittedly it was our fault for not booking in advance, having not realised just how popular the restaurant was.Even on the grey mid-week night we visited, Plato’s was packed with holidaymakers and well-heeled young locals enjoying a glass of wine or bite to eat in the smart surroundings. Its popularity, and the attractive Georgian building with its pretty courtyard, filled me with high hopes of a vintage dining experience, but sadly we were left feeling a bit disappointed.Perhaps being tucked away in a corner of the bar rather than in the main restaurant made us feel rather forgotten about, with a long wait to take our drinks order and then our food order, despite the friendliness of the polite, young waiting staff. There was a good selection of real ales and wines but we were on best behaviour mid-week and stuck to soft drinks.We ordered from the bistro menu rather than the more expensive main one, though a tapas menu was also available for those wanting to mix and match. The dishes were varied and wide-ranging, with plenty of seafood and vegetarian options, alongside bar staples such as steak burgers and steak frites. I chose the Old Applebian cheese soufflé with English “Parmesan” and Waldorf salad (£6.95) to kick off. It arrived beautifully presented on a slate platter with grapes and wonderful toasted walnuts dotted artfully around the souffle. It was a nice light way to start the meal, but I felt the souffle’s cheese lacked the maturity needed to be a proper foil to the tangy Waldorf dressing.Mr Eating Out (not realising our low-slung table was where we’d actually be eating) settled for the butternut squash soup (£4.50). It was a generous, creamy bowlful with a small pot of seasoning on the side, though
Plato's in Kirkby Lonsdale.Plato's in Kirkby Lonsdale.
Plato's in Kirkby Lonsdale.

Jenny Simpson visits Plato’s in Kirkby Lonsdale and discovers that this is one place you definitely need to book in advance.

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