Pandan Leaf, Prestatyn

Pandan Leaf Restaurant, Prestatyn

I just wanted to add a brief post about an amazing restaurant I visited not long ago; because if you’re in the area, I highly recommend it!

A while ago I stayed with the family in Talacre, North Wales.  For a meal one evening, we headed into Prestatyn town centre – not far away – where I’d been advised of an excellent restaurant.

Although not too far away from home, we were twenty minutes away and didn’t have any idea on local places to eat.  Luckily, a colleague of mine lives local and was able to advise.

Pandan Leaf is on the high street in Prestatyn, and really easy to find.  Not least because it’s quite exotically – and beautifully – decorated.  They specialise in authentic Asian food, with a great variety to choose from.

On my visit, I shared the Malaysian banquet for two people.  Starters consisted of Penang pork rolls; vegetable spring rolls; Malaysian chicken satay and dry spare ribs.  There was plenty to eat, and it was delicious – including the best spring rolls I’ve ever had!

Large portions were also served up for the main courses.  There were three dishes: Malaysian Sambal chilli prawn; beef rendang and chicken curry – with fantastic coconut rice.  Beautiful dishes, I couldn’t pick a favourite – they were all superb.

With some decent drinks and really friendly, expert service, our family trip to Pandan Leaf was a total success.  Everyone in our party – including ages from seven to seventy – loved it.

A return trip is definitely on the cards.  Despite the distance, it’s something we’d all love to do.  If you’re ever in the area, don’t miss your chance to sample this wonderful food for yourself.

Pandan Leaf, 96 High Street, Prestatyn LL19 9BE

01745 798042

The Pandan Leaf website is here.

The Facebook page is here.

Thanks Laura for the recommendation!

Food Quest: The Royal Oak

The Royal Oak, Kinnerton

It was a family affair at the Royal Oak in Kinnerton, so off Mrs Platinum Al and I went to sample the culinary delights.  My Dad’s birthday was the occasion, and there were a few of us out for a pleasant time and good food.

The Royal Oak itself is a quaint, very attractive traditional pub – plenty of wooden fixtures and a damn fine array of ales.  Lager, too – for the yobs like me.  It’s a welcoming atmosphere, and an ideal venue for a cosy winter pint.

For our food, we were seated in the nearby dining area.  Again, spacious and also bright.

Mrs Platinum Al ordered Chinese belly pork with noodles for her starter.  This was delicious (I’m quoting here), and although rich, could have made an excellent main course.

My starter was a chorizo, black pudding and tomato salad, though I asked for the mushroom dressing to be removed.  This was replaced by a perfectly adequate non-mushroom based dressing.  I hate mushrooms.  The starter was excellent, very tasty.  It wasn’t a massive portion, it was just right – which is surely a good thing when there’s plenty more food to come.

Our mains were a burger with cheese and bacon for Mrs PA, which was served with chips and lots of salad.  This too was extremely good, and a lot to eat!

I opted for a chicken, gammon and leak pie.  This was a great choice, the pie not only filled the entire plate but was really good.  It tasted excellent; the chicken was in large chunks, and the sauce full of flavour.  The pastry was well made and there was plenty of it – I wasn’t left with a plate of pie contents with no roof.  The pie was served with large chips – these were OK, though to be honest I’m a skinny fries guy.  Also there was a huge dish of peas to accompany the pie – I found this a little strange having another totally separate plate.

All in all however, the meal was excellent.  Regular readers will know that generally I prefer more exotic dishes than traditional British fare, however I found the meal to be delightful.  It would be nice to see a wider variety of different food on the menu (and less mushrooms), but in all honesty, that wouldn’t be in keeping with the manner of the Royal Oak.  Traditional food here is far from familiar and boring, it is both plentiful and full of flavour.

One final commendation for the Royal Oak must go to the staff: they were all very friendly, patient and helpful.  An exceptional job.

Food Quest Test

  • Food: solid traditional meals that are well prepared and tasty, good portions
  • Drink: good variety of real ale and lagers to cover all tastes
  • Service: Exceptional
  • Environment: traditional country pub atmosphere, the real deal
  • Cost: not cheap but worth it

The Royal Oak, Main Road, Kinnerton Lane, Higher Kinnerton CH4 9BE

01244 660871

I can’t find any web page or social media for the Royal Oak.  If you go, please tell them to get online!