Is it really May already? Our tenure of the Victoria is very nearly one year old. (Has a year ever flown by so quickly?)

Having enjoyed an extended Easter break last month, it’s a relief to know that there are two long weekends in May to look forward to (and half term if you are under 16!). With a bit of luck the glorious weather we have enjoyed in April will only get better and better during May.

If you have visited us recently you may have noticed a couple of hairy gardeners in shorts busy drinking tea and occasionally laying a paving slab or two. We have extended the paved dining area in order to accommodate more of you during the summer months – our brand new garden furniture arrives shortly. We are also now the proud owner of a wonderful four foot high wisteria which is in full bloom, as are our apple and pear trees.

Work is progressing on the barbeque area, so check your inbox for the imminent arrival of an email giving you full details of our summer garden menu.

April saw us hold two nights of live music, which proved a great success, and more are planned to follow on Wednesday 13 May and again on Wednesday 27 May. Details will be on our events page shortly.

Our breakfast offering which was also introduced in April is going great guns. Make sure you pop in for a fresh fruit smoothie which will leave you feeling healthy and revitalised. However, to feel truly indulged how about trying our take away bacon butty as well? With all the revision that must be going on at this time surely a decent breakfast is the perfect start to the day.

If the thought of revising in a lonely bedroom is all too much then don’t forget we have free Wi-Fi available (as well as a fantastic bar menu and countless cappuccinos).

Last but not least a message to all new parents - our toilets are now equipped with a baby changer. For several months we have known that our lack of baby changer has caused many parents to abandon the dining room and head for their car mid-meal to do the necessaries, so we are pleased to inform you that this is no longer the case. (I wonder if this sudden purchase of a baby changer has got anything to do with the fact that my business partner Greg and his girlfriend are expecting their first child very soon, next he’ll be installing a buggy bay in the car park!! - Paul). We also have some very fancy high chairs for all our younger diners. Next on this hit list is a bike rack as the fine weather means more and more of you will be arriving by bicycle en route to the park.

Although it holds no culinary connection whatsoever I must point out that Brentford have been promoted. This joyous occurrence may not be earth shattering news for many people but it’s made my summer!! Keeping with a sporting theme we were really honoured that so many triumphant marathon runners chose to have their well deserved post run drink with us here at The Victoria. But don’t forget we welcome guzzling couch potatoes just as warmly.

Our a la carte menu continues to keep a pace with the seasons. If you have never eaten English asparagus, Indian alphonso mangos or morel mushrooms then we have a treat in store for you.

When not busy behind the stoves much of my time is spent writing and testing recipes for a book which is due out in August. All the successful trials feature as specials in the restaurant so why not come up and try them out before they hit the bookshelves.

Due to spending so much time running the kitchens at the Victoria and writing recipes this email is my best form of communication with my children (!) in which case could I just point out that June 21st is father’s day and we already have quite a few reservations - so don’t book lunch for us at Le Gavroche just yet because I may have to work!!

Last but not least thanks for your fabulous support during April, we hope to see all of you return sometime during May.

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