Open Monday midday–9.30pm; Tuesday–Thursday 10am–9.30pm; Friday and Saturday 10am–10pm; Sunday 10am–9.30pm
Bright pink wool blankets on mismatched chairs, oversized candles and sparkly fairy lights greeted us before we had even entered this quirky little neighbourhood restaurant. Inside, flowers, heart and cupid decorations hanging in the windows and on the gilt-edged mirrors, plus a selection of (mainly relationship and self-help-oriented) books lining the windows added to the (albeit female-centred) homely feel.
Young trendy staff led us past the restaurant’s owner, Lorraine Angliss, sitting at a table chatting to a friend, while her son talked rather loudly on his mobile while eating ‘Annie’s posh chicken kebab’ at another table.
We ordered apple martinis (all cocktails are £7.50 each), which were very good, while perusing the simple British menu. My starter of grilled halloumi, roast squash, fig and caramelised shallot salad (£7.95) was flavoursome and the boyf’s chargrilled English asparagus with Hollandaise (£8.95) was spot on (am I the only one struggling to find English asparagus despite it being in season?). Moving on to a glass of Rioja Crianza for him (£7.25 for 175ml) and South African unoaked chardonnay De Wetshof 2011 (£6.50 for 175ml) for me from the good, unusual wine list we enjoyed mushroom and basil risotto, which arrived with a large sprig of thyme (£12.95) and the boyf had the recommended chicken kebab with a pretty salad, olives, chilli sauce – and a large sprig of thyme (£14.95). We shared a smooth and creamy crème brûlée with biscotti (all desserts are £5.95) and a generous portion of the best-selling sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice-cream for dessert.
With its shabby-chic, homely decor, friendly service and simple, hearty food, Annie’s offers a fun, relaxed experience.
