Amba Restaurant and Lounge

Amba Restaurant and Lounge

106-108 Ashley Road
Hale
Cheshire
WA14 2UN
Tel: 0161 928 2343
Fax: 0161 928 6808

We believe this place was originally the Hale Wine bar or something similar. It is now a rather trendy café bar called Amba. The appearance is smart, clean and trendy and gives out all the right messages. The décor is simple and the air conditioning, which was noticeable when we first arrived, was less so when it had filled up with people. Incidently it is almost next door to another restaurant we have reviewed recently, called blush (Yes, it’s meant to be a small ‘b’).

So, encouraged by appearances and reports received from elsewhere we ventured to Amba for lunch. We were surprised initially by how many people were there soon after midday. We were even asked if we had booked! This is also an excellent sign and reason for continued optimism.

We were seated, in a rather comfortable dining bay around a large circular table. We ordered some drinks, I had Carlsberg Export lager, Sandro had Boddingtons bitter. The menu was convincing and justified our optimism. The style was particularly Mediterranean. Sandro ordered the duck and peppers kebab, served with a pilaf rice and tomato and onion salad. I ordered the homemade hamburger served with fries and a salad. I have to say my choice may seem a little odd, but I am a great fan of the homemade hamburger, which if it is made from meat of any quality can be cooked to your liking. I chose mine to be cooked ‘medium’, when offered the choice.

Sandro declared the duck pink and fairly tender and the rice nicely textured, with just enough cumin flavour to add interest. My hamburger was firm and meaty with a herby flavour infused throughout. The fries were done to perfection and the salad and balsamic vinegar dressing were also good.

The portions were satisfying and represented good value. Testimony to the quality and value was that the restaurant continued to fill up during lunchtime.

A slight grumble, but nothing too sinister, the beer was cold – great, but created a puddle on the table. We really could have done with beer mats.

Service was friendly, but even though there were plenty of staff, we had to resort to hand waving to attract attention on occasions.

Ambience was very good, enhanced by the number of people dining. By the time we left, the place was quite full.

One issue is that the limited on-street parking is for one hour only - don't people in Hale need more than this for lunch? The same problem had been encountered in Altrincham, near Juniper, and the others. I wonder whether the restaurateurs could get together to petition for an increase to two hours? Maybe enlist the support of the "Slow Food Society"?

My verdict is I will definitely be returning to Amba - recommended.

Phil.