"I had not experienced the magic of chef Sally Abbe at any of her previous establishments so it was interesting to note the subtle changes effected at her pub in the Conrad St James Hotel. It is not really a pub in the true sense as it does not have that atmosphere but what it does offer is good, friendly service at well spaced tables in a modern brasserie style setting. The menu was short but tempting and i chose the Battered cod with chunky chips, forked peas and chip shop curry sauce £23.00). This last item was really the point of difference as I have not seen such a bold initiative at any other restaurant! The batter was light and very crisp, the cod moist and fresh, the chips wonderful and the sauce so good that I called for another helping happily and quickly offered. This felt like food sacrilege to a die hard Northerner brought up on Whitby and Hartlepools finest haddock and chips with mushy peas but the curry combination was irresistible. My first visit to the Blue Boar but certainly not my last, Total bill with water and 12.5% service was £35.72 simply great value."
