Dining Out review - Palm Court Hotel '˜a peaceful oasis'

Calm and classic, the lounge of the Palm Court Hotel is an oasis of peace in the hustle and bustle of a shopping centre on a Saturday in the run-up to Christmas.

Open daily from 10am to 8.30pm, it serves, brunch, morning coffee, lie bites, lunch, afternoon tea and supper.

Me and my mum headed there, laden down with shopping bags and fed up with pushing and shovving, for brunch-lunch.

Attracted by the crumpet menu, my mum chose poached eggs with crispy bacon, £5.60.

Two crumpets topped with well-done bacon and perfectly poached eggs duly arrived.

I chose honey-glazed Yorshire ham and English mustard sandwiches on white, served with coleslaw and home-cooked crisps, £6.50.

There is also a choice of hot sandwiches including baguettes and lite bites.

More substantial meals include Palm Court burger – served with bacon andcheese, hand cut chips and home-made coleslaw, £11.95.

Large deep fried haddock with home cut chips, mushy peas and home-made tartare sauce, £12.95.

The atmosphere in the lounge – a range of sofas and comfy chairs arranged around dinner or coffee tables – is always relaxed.

Soft, easy listening music is played and the staff, always, polite, never rush the customers.

Afternoon teas – now popular country-wide – take on a festive flavour from Saturday until December 31.

Served daily from noon to 5pm, this will consist of a selection of festive ribbon sandwiches – including local bronzed turkey, stuffing and cranberry and roast beef with horseradish – and home-made cranberry scones served with homemade jam and clotted cream.

Accompanying these will be an advocaat shot; Black Forest shot; chocolate brownie with Santa strawberry hat; boozy cherry yuletide log; festive shortbread; snowman marshmallow; Bailey’s cream-filled meringue; festive macaroons; Christmas cake and a choice of Yorkshire Tea or cafetiere of coffee.

The Palm Court also has a restaurant.