Upon deciding to venture out for a midday meal and keen to experience something novel, The Park at Hillsborough emerged as our selected destination. Ahead of time, a call was made to book a table for three at 1 o’clock. Upon my arrival at The Park, the other two members of our group were yet to appear, so I took the opportunity to wait in the inviting beer garden and car park. The locale proved perfect for unwinding on a balmy summer’s day, sipping a chilled beverage in the quaint beer garden, all whilst observing the world pass by.
As the remainder of our group joined, we made our way into the pub. The establishment boasted tasteful decoration, and despite the bustling atmosphere, it retained a soothing ambience. We were escorted to our table, which had been recently sanitised in anticipation of our presence. Our appetites piqued, we perused the menu to determine our selections, and given that breakfast had been skipped, both a starter and a main course seemed quite fitting! The menu offered an extensive range of classic pub fare, ensuring there was something to please every palate.
After much deliberation between the Chicken Tikka Masala and the Triple House Burger, I ultimately settled on Crispy Potato Skins with Cheese & BBQ Pulled Pork for the starter. For the main course, I opted for the generously portioned Chicken Tikka Masala, accompanied by basmati rice, poppadoms, mango chutney, naan bread, vegetable samosa, onion bhaji, and spinach pakora – an impressive assortment on the plate!
Upon placing our orders, we were informed that there would be a 40-minute wait for our meals. This was not an issue, as we were in no hurry and the delay allowed ample time for catching up with old friends over a couple of drinks.
Regrettably, after a 90-minute wait, we inquired about our orders, which had yet to arrive. The staff members apologised and attributed the delay to a sizeable party booking coinciding with our visit. While we understood the situation, it would have been preferable for the staff to be proactive in managing our expectations and informing us of the additional wait time.
At last, the starter made its appearance and it was well worth the wait. The aroma was heavenly and the serving size was fitting for an appetiser. The potato skins were delightfully crispy and brimming with a generous helping of cheese and BBQ pulled pork.
The starter was promptly consumed, and our main courses followed shortly after. The curry’s aroma was tantalising, the chicken succulent, and the masala sauce’s spice level was perfectly balanced – a mild zing without being overwhelming. The steaming rice was fluffy and light. The only minor disappointment was the onion bhaji, which proved a tad too spicy for my preference, although it would likely be well-received by those with a penchant for heat.
To get in touch with The Park, ring 0114 233 8293 or visit www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk. The Park is located at Wadsley Lane, Sheffield, S6 4EB.
