Invited out for a Birthday Dinner so I did not fully receive the Crazy Bear experience.
It was a wet cold October evening and parking was difficult as Beaconsfield (just to the north-west of London) was packed. A very popular town. You need to know where the entrance is to find the Crazy Bear hotel in Beaconsfield. I had wanted to visit Crazy Bear for a while, its reputation for exuberance and theatricality is well known.
I should have been greeted by the staff and seated in the bar area, which was unlike anything that you had ever seen butt due to the difficulty parking I only had a second there before going down to the room where dinner would take place. I can only liken it to a decorating project which was the result of a joint venture between a champagne-sloshed interior designer and a footballer’s wife. It was completely over-the-top and, frankly, bordering on vulgar. There were outrageous chandeliers and faux French-chic tables and chairs. Even the staircase to the toilets was adorned with rather large vines and bunches of grapes. We were somewhat overwhelmed by the extravagances of the bar and found them somewhat comical. There was unfortunately a hiccup as it was raining outside there was a drip through the ceiling which fell on the person sitting next to me. The staff quickly moved the table so all was OK.
We were in a downstairs private space and had a fixed menu which was chosen in advance. For the first course I chose what they called Our Own Gloucestershire Old Spot Confit Pork Belly with White Rum and Mint Pineapple and Cashew Satay Sauce. Very well cooked with a good mix of flavours and textures.
The alternatives were Asparagus (not in season), Cheese croquettes or Shellfish slider. Did not fancy any of those so settled on the Pork Belly.
For the main course, I had the Chargrilled Chicken Thighs. This came with Jersey Royals, ‘Nduja and Edamame and Sweetcorn Cassoulet. How on earth you can get Jersey Royals in October I do not know. It was an acceptable meal but lacking in volume, for me anyway, quite a mixture though so I was hungry after.
The alternative main courses were Miso and Tamarand Aubergine, 300g Marinated Double-Cut Lamb Cutlet, or Seared Red Miso Loch Duart Salmon.
We accompanied our food with a 2022 Vermentino Les Archeres. Bright yellow with green hues. Floral, peachy and white blossom aromas are met with a soft, creamy and well-balanced palate. The finish was decent in length and overall it was a satisfying bottle of wine.
The menu that we were having finished with a selection of Ice Cream, Chocolate and Vanilla.
The alternative desserts were Madagascan Vanilla Rice, Salted Bitter Caramel, Flourless Chocolate brownie or Cheeseboard for 2. This meant that to have this you needed to find someone to share with.
There was a great emphasis on outward appearance and theatricality. As this was a birthday dinner there was entertainment including a magician. It is really though a place for youngsters to have a great night out but not my idea of fun as I prefer a more subdued experience.
