I WASN’T sure what to expect with a restaurant named Crystals, as the word evokes all kinds of images. However, as we walked into the striking sandstone building in Birkdale village, it became crystal clear the evening was looking good.
On the ground level, the interior is all sophisticated black leather sofas, which in the evening light had the dreamy ambience of a laid-back wine bar. But I am sure the streaming morning light would provide a vibrant vibe also for daytime catch-up coffees.
A friendly face at the bar told us someone would be waiting at the top of the stairs to greet us, as we were booked into the first- floor restaurant.
The contemporary theme of polished wooden tables, leather-backed chairs, contemporary art and, of course, the obligatory (yet tasteful) crystal chandeliers awaited.
Although it was a mid-week evening, the restaurant was half- full with a clientele as eclectic as the music being piped out.
A discreet service was the theme of the day. Thankfully, for someone whose appetite never diminishes throughout the day, there was a bread roll and butter waiting at the table and the wine menu was quickly supplied and served as we chose our meals.
As it was a mid-week evening, the special three courses for £17.50 offer was available and there was enough on the menu to whet our appetite.
I opted for a calamari starter while my husband selected the pigeon.
It was a short wait for our starters to arrive, which gave us time to enjoy a glass from our bottle of red wine, Nuviana, which was a mixture of the Cabernet and Tempranillo grapes. It was a great choice, with a light and vanilla-like taste which reminded me of my favourite Rioja.
As I mentioned before, we didn’t know much about the restaurant, apart from the fact that it was owned by Mally Best, who once owned the successful Left Bank Bistro, in Penny Lane.
We never did get the chance to eat there but I had been told great things by people who had – so I must admit our expectations were high.
