WHEN we arrived at the Slug and Lettuce in Chelmsford we were promptly seated at a table and presented with a huge drinks menu, packed with wines, beers and a vast selection of cocktails.

I chose a Porn Star Martini, which comes with a shot of Prosecco on the side and was light and tangy but not too sweet once the fizz was poured in.

As we were visiting during the week the restaurant was not too busy although there were a few tables filled with people enjoying evening drinks. 

The only problem we had was that it was quite chilly, so we both had to keep our jumpers or jackets on, so I suggest bringing a cardigan if you want to spend the evening there.

Once we'd looked through the menu we ordered our meal; to start we chose an Asian Platter for £13.79, which was packed with pulled pork steamed buns, hoisin duck spring rolls, crisp butterfly king prawns, chicken and pepper skewers and prawn crackers.

It was delicious, packed with dozens of flavours and came out steaming hot.

For those of you who don't like spicy food I warn you, when they say spicy or hot they mean it!

Unfortunately the chicken skewers, which came with a hot sauce, were too spicy for me, which was a shame as they were delicious so I'd suggest asking for the sauce on the side if you are not a fan of spice!

The butterfly king prawns were amazing and I'd really recommend the sharer; it would be nice to have as a bar snack if you are enjoying drinks with friends as well as as part of a meal.

The dipping sauces were really nice although it would have been a nice addition to have a hoi-sin sauce to match the oriental theme rather than a barbecue sauce. 

For mains, I chose the new £9.29 topless beef burger with avocado and slow-roasted tomato while my boyfriend decided to try the new Seafood mixed grill, which came with sea bass, salmon and king prawn skewers for £12.29.

Although the food was presented nicely, cooked really well and came out promptly, we were disappointed that neither dish was very hot; in fact my boyfriend’s was barely warm when it came out, which was a shame and unexpected particularly as the restaurant was not that busy.

While the temperature of the food let it down the flavour did not; both dishes were delicious, my burger was piled high with toppings and his fish tasted lovely.

A nice touch was that I asked for a salad instead of chips (we were quite full after the Asian Platter!) and the chef was happy to oblige by adding one of the superfood salads to my plate instead.

We couldn’t manage a desert from the vast menu but I washed my meal down with a flat white espresso martini – one of the best cocktails I’ve had recently and something I would definitely order again - while my partner enjoyed an Irish Coffee.

I'd certainly visit the Slug and Lettuce again as I really enjoyed the evening and, aside from the temperature issue with the main course and the restaurant, could not really fault it.

I'd really like to highlight the staff; everyone who served us drinks, took our orders or brought our food was charming, chatty, attentive without being intrusive, and a real credit to the restaurant.

The verdict

Atmosphere: 4/5

Food: 3/5

Décor 5/5

Service: 4/5

Value: 3/5