La Madeleine

From outside, a modest little eatery in a narrow street in Hereford. But what a gastronomic experience! I have been fortunate to enjoy food in some famous establishments, including recently Ynyshir in mid-Wales, which was fabulous. However, the dinner provided to me and my motorcycling buddy by Ed, chef-patron at La Madeleine, came a very close second. The ‘beef three ways’ looked gorgeous served on a wooden platter. The piece of steak was cooked perfectly and was exploding with flavour. The cylinder of compressed pulled beef cheek was similarly flavoursome and covered with intensely crunchy panko breadcrumbs, adding a welcome textural contrast. The little pot of baby onions and slow-cooked beef was sublime in its buttery unctuousness. The chips were the best I have ever tasted (and that includes Ynyshir). Our waitress, Evelyn-May, was utterly delightful and coped gracefully with a bit of gentle banter from two old men. She found time to chat with us warmly and made us feel welcome and nurtured. We loved her hair! I am busy planning a second visit even though it will involve travelling again from Northern Ireland, to allow my wife to experience this very special little restaurant. As long as Ed can promise to cook us the same dish to precisely the same standard.

Exceptional food and a great evening out. It is not very often that I cannot find any fault with a meal. Everything we had to eat was outstanding and the staff were very good too. Would certainly recommend to others and if they cook like this all the time then they will definitely end up with an award of some kind 🌟