Chandler's Grande Brasserie

Corn Exchange
Conduit Street
Lichfield
Staffordshire
Tel: 01543 416688

This pleasing bistro / brasserie is in the centre of Lichfield. My wife and I stumbled across this place on a day out, with the children safely away in the care of Grandparents.

The restaurant itself is on two levels with the upper level having a railed balcony. The ambience is definitely continental although this report is indexed under English restaurant's. That is because it doesn't describe itself as any particular ethnic style of restaurant, although I would expect French would be the most natural choice.

We ordered drinks and some garlic bread whilst we mused over the extensive menu. There were some tantalising choices. For starters it was a toss up between the Sauteed Scallops with Monkfish and Bacon (£5.95) or the Fresh Whitebait with Salad (£3.75). My wife was adamant and chose the Camembert in Filo Pastry with Caremalised Onions and Redcurrant Sauce (£3.95). I went for the Sauteed Scallops. I wasn't dissapointed and the agonising over what to have proved worthwhile, my wife was in accord with her choice also. Now with our appetites aroused we eagerly awaited our main courses.

For main course we had contemplated a number of alternatives. I chose the Sauteed Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Gorgonzola Sauce (£7.95) over a Feta Salad Nicoise (7.95). My good lady wife chose the Stir Fried Cajun Beef with Plum and Sweet Chilli Noodles (£5 from the lunchtime special menu).

Having had starters and a main course we opted out of the puddings. Although if we had been less well satisfied we might just have gone for one of the mouthwatering offerings.

With drinks we spent a little under £30 for two persons, which is perhaps a little on the extravagent side for lunch, but what the heck, this was enjoyable and isn't that what life is about? I say extravagent because I don't spend £30 on lunch every day, however i don't meant to imply that this was not great value, it certainly was. I should also point out that there is an extensive lunchtime menu of one course for a fiver and two course for £7.50. Now that is a bargain.

Verdict - Highly recommended, good food and no pesky children running around. Lunchtime menu is particularly good value. I won't be passing by this restaurant the next time I'm in Lichfield, infact I might just make a special detour to Lichfield!