On Saturday afternoon I was invited to the Botanist in Farnham with a plus one to try out their new Autumn food and drink menu.
The Botanist started with an idea of creating a secret garden of food and drink. You can see this reflected in the decoration, walls full of flower decorations, plant pots and watering cans and elements that make you feel like you’re in an indoor garden. I really like the decor, the restaurant has a very rustic shabby chic vibe.
There’s plenty of tables downstairs near the bar where you can watch the incredible cocktails being made. You can also sit upstairs or even on the roof terrace which would be perfect to have a few drinks at in Summer.
The drinks
To start I had the Raspberry Disaronno Sour which contains Disaronno, raspberry liqueir, raspberry purée, pmegranata and lemon juice. This pretty creation came in a a smoking plant pot, topped with ice and flowers to garnish. This cocktail was delicious, I’d definitely order this one again. Sam had the Passionfruit and berry martini – Bombay Dry gin, Licor 43, Passoã, passionfruit syrup, fresh passionfruit, pineapple and lemon juice. This one was delicate, sweet and fruity.
I also ordered the Rhubarb and Sage Spritz mocktail – Portobello Roat gin, rhubarb liqueur and sage syrups and lemon juice, topped with ginger ale. This was lovely, refreshing and sweet. It’s always good to see a selection of mocktails on the menu for those who don’t fancy drinking alcohol or are driving.
Starters
To start we ordered cheesy garlic bread which is served in a basket. The portion size for this was huge, I’ve never had so much garlic bread as a starter. It was very tasty though and covered with a lot of cheese.
We also shared the calamari served with crème fraîche and sweet chilli dip. The calamari was the best we’ve ever had, it wasn’t chewy and was cooked to perfection. Topped with chili this felt like a fragrant Thai dish.
Mains
I’ve been to the Botanist before and had one of their famous hanging kebabs which taste amazing! This is what Sam ordered, he went for the chicken and chorizo kebab with fries. This hanging kebab comes with a garlic butter sauce which you pour onto the kebab from the top, this covers the kebab and fries with a delicious garlic taste. The Botanist has also created a vegan Tofurky sausage kebab with maple barbecue sauce.
I fancied something warming and comforting so went for the chicken and bacon pie served with champ mash, mushy peas and gravy. The gravy was served in a mini watering can. I enjoyed this pie and it was really filling.
Sam and I were really impressed with the quality of the meal and drinks. Everything is presented beautifully and the cocktails were so creative. When we visit again we would definitely have the calamari and hanging kebab again and try out some new cocktails.
Address:
The Botanist Farnham
4-5, Town Hall Buildings, The Borough, Farnham GU9 7ND
There’s plenty to do around Farnham you could explore the boutique shops, go for a drive to the Jane Austen Museum in Chawton or enjoy a spa day at Hog’s Back Hotel.
