Www.bycost­ello­⁠.com's review of Launceston Place

After delighting in watching Tristan Welch beat his former teacher/ mentor Mark Sergeant on Great British Menu I knew that this was for sure a place to try, and was by no means disappointed that I did.

We opted for the tasting menu, which started extremely well, a cauliflower foam with a truffle oil drizzled on top. The menu also featured the devilled crab, potted shrimp with wild herbs alla the TV show; what were the judges thinking not voting for that one, the sea side on a plate for sure. Not normally a salmon fan, but the champagne poached salmon was cooked perfectly and the infused champagne taste made for another perfect dish. Opting for the suckling pig for the main course, whilst on the whole excellent, it was a bit of a let down that crackling of the belly pork wasn’t crisp. My other gripes would be a couple of occasional blips in service where we had to wait a little too long and the hot chocolate drink that was served with coffee instead of petit fours, which didn’t sit right, as in a hot drink to compliment another hot drink.

The sommelier is worth a mention, as he was quite entertaining as he enthused and described each wine that accompanied each dish,

At £52 per head for the tasting menu the place is remarkably cheap, even with aperitifs, prestige tasting menu wine match, coffees and service added on, it came to less than £700 for four of us. Whilst obviously expensive it was defiantly very good value for money for the quality of food, wine and service.

I certainly recommend this place and no doubt Tristan’s Michelin Star is already in the post.