Classic Bistro Cooking
Since opening almost five years ago, King Street Kitchen has gone from strength to strength by following a very simple formula of great food and wine and exceptional service all wrapped up in a wonderfully relaxed, charming environment, writes Liz Walmsley. Photography: Kirsten Platt
If you visit King Street Kitchen on a regular basis, you’re one of a growing number of regular customers who come back time and time again to enjoy the genuinely warm welcome and fabulous food and wine which has gained business partners Maurice Camm and Mark Gaukroger their stellar reputation.
So, with so much choice locally, what is it that keeps bringing people back?
This highly acclaimed Ribble Valley bistro can be found in what is possibly the prettiest location in Whalley. The Tudor fronted buildings on the main street, which are so often captured on postcards of the local area and by visitors, is the perfect spot, right in the heart of the village. On a warm summer’s day or evening, where better to sit than ‘en plein air’ enjoying a glass of something chilled and maybe some pre-dinner nibbles whilst watching the world go by?
Inside, the salon style décor and ambience is relaxed yet intimate and perfect for couples, families and groups of friends. There’s a concise yet varied menu underpinned by a selection of classic French bistro dishes. No set menus, you can order as little or as much as you’d like. Whether that’s a simple main course, sandwich, nibbles and a glass of wine or you opt for something a little more substantial, everything leaving the kitchen has been skilfully and freshly prepared and cooked and is beautifully presented.
The menu changes to reflect the season and the produce available, but there are certain dishes that will always feature: “We could never remove our French onion soup, steak frites and two of our classic desserts, treacle tart and choux buns from the menu,” such is the demand, says Mark.
I am a great believer in that I’d prefer to choose from a relatively small menu, safe in the knowledge that every single dish will be exceptional – on that basis I’m never going to be disappointed and that’s just one small part of the winning formula here – no one is ever disappointed.
A super selection of wines from around the world has been curated to accompany the menu and Maurice is always on hand to offer guidance on pairing if required. The service is excellent, relaxed and efficient with no sense of being hurried along – stay as long as you like and just soak up the atmosphere of fellow diners having a genuinely great experience.
Time after time Mark and Maurice never fail to deliver, so if you’re already a regular at this wonderful bistro – congratulations! However, for any of you who haven’t yet had the pleasure of dining here then maybe you should.
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday to Friday: 12 noon – 2.30pm and 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Saturday: 12 noon – 9.30pm
Sunday: 12 noon – 3pm
Closed for summer holiday from Sunday 7th July Back open Thursday 25th July
King Street Kitchen
73 King Street
Whalley BB7 9SW
01254 822462
facebook.com/kingStreetKitchenwhalley
