BOASTING an array of classic British dishes with a modern French twist, it was a delight to dine at Oxton Village's Thyme last week.
The cosy bistro, based at number 17 Rose Mount, is the latest venture from Panoramic 34 owner Cathy Frost.
It was mid-week when my friend and I decided a well-needed catch up was needed, so we took a short drive to the heart of Oxton.
Managing to park outside the restaurant, we were taken in by the lovely surroundings of the village - I'm definitely ashamed to say that I am not there enough. With a selection of independent shops, restaurants and bars it really is a small gem in Wirral's crown.
Pushing open the restaurant's glass door, we were greeted by the manager who offered to take our coats and showed us to our table upstairs.
Taking in the crisp surroundings, the downstairs dining area is small but cosy and the team have carefully plotted tables around in a way in which guests can enjoy some space while eating.
Once at our seats, we perused the menu and deciding what to choose was a tough task.
I'm not going to lie, we had both been extremely excited to try out Thyme's menu and had both been looking at it online all week.
Even though we had the chance to browse, we were still in deliberation and so we were passed a bottle of cool water before ordering a ginger beer and a large glass of the Maison De Vigernon Blanc from Gascony, France.
The staff were attentive and always on hand to answer any queries about the menu and also gave us time to take in the surroundings.
Baked camembert
After some deliberation, we decided on starters and I opted for the baked camembert with four crisp slices of sourdough which was drizzled in garlic while my friend went for the Wild Pear Bakehouse bread with cold press rapeseed oil Thyme butter.
These were both the perfect choice to satisfy our hunger while we awaited our mains.
Pan fried Gressingham duck breast with boulangere potato, carrot puree, charred chicory, baby carrot and a crispy quail egg, tenderly doused in demi-glace.
The pan fried Gressingham duck breast and rigatoni pasta
A small dish of the rich rigatoni pasta was for me, complete with garden peas, broad beans and chopped asparagus in a delicious and slightly creamy white wine sauce with parmesan.
Both dishes were hearty and extremely tasty, I would point out that the pasta is extremely rich and I am not totally sure I would have been able to handle a large portion.
After more talking and another drink, we decided we couldn't possibly leave Thyme without trying one of their desserts.
Creme brulee and apple tart fine
It wasn't an easy decision to make by any means, two-ing and throwing between items, we chose the apple tart fine with calvados cream, drizzled in Thyme's own caramel sauce.
My friend chose the classic creme brulee, topped with a bite-size shortbread biscuit and accompanied by a bitter chocolate sorbet on a bed of crushed biscuit.
We were pleasantly full from our delicious feast at Thyme and couldn't fault the service or staff. As the night went on, more guests joined dinner service and as staff, even from the kitchen passed by, they stopped to check on all customers.
This was a lovely touch and one which would make me comeback in a heartbeat.
Along with dinner, Thyme offers a brunch menu from 9am until 3pm - I shall definitely be back to try this soon.
Five stars!
To book a table call 0151 601 8669 or visit https://thymeoxton.com
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