"Perfect birthday at Manuka Kitchen. I first stumbled across Manuka Kitchen one Sunday morning and looking through the window to the brunch menu scrawled across a chalk board I was tempted enough to pop in. At the time I just happened to be looking for a restaurant for a birthday dinner and so I asked on the off chance whether Manuka could hold a dinner for 20-25 people. Owing to the restaurant not being able to seat much more than this I didn’t expect Joseph the Maître d to be so instantly accommodating. And that is what my main attraction to this lovely little Bistro has been ever since, their accommodating, helpful, totally fuss free approach to helping you enjoy beautiful food. And so, Manuka ended up hosting a dinner last Saturday evening for 22 of us where they provided an exceptionally well-priced set menu including wine for all my guests. We shared 5 varieties of starter which were all spread plentifully down the middle of our table. A humble Mac n’ cheese delighted just as much as the trendy bone marrow and saffron arancini. Although my personal pick was the dandelion pesto and goats cheese crostini, a flavour simply delightful. Joseph asked that we had chosen our mains beforehand, a good decision which allowed us to busy ourselves with chatter and drinking before plates were swiftly laid in front of us filled with perfectly cooked steak, chicken or fresh market fish. Manuka Kitchen was a beautiful venue to have my birthday, simple yet inviting with tiny tea lights and warm wooden fixtures. I cannot recommend the venue, food or staff highly enough and can assure you I will not hesitate to come back. In fact I think I left something behind on Saturday so I better just pop back this weekend"
