This was our first visit to the new cafe bar on Hallgate in Cottingham. Sunday night, back end of November and our table for six was booked for 6.00 pm. Ralph’s has been open for just a few weeks and its in the old Bank opposite Wok Ever. They have done a remarkable job of the conversion because first impressions on walking in were of a city centre modern cafe bar, which is exactly what it is but in Cottingham.
Nice ambience inside with a few fellow diners scattered around and smiling staff to greet and show us to our table. All good, nice table in the window, but not in the full glare of any one walking past. Everyone was starving so we skipped starters and went straight for the main courses. The lasses ordered pizzas the fellas mixed grills which were a bit on the expensive side at just under £30 each, but like I said we ( thought) we were starving.
Drinks arrived first then the food and the pizzas looked delicious and fresh, but then the shock. The waitress carried the first mixed grill to the table and we honestly thought it was a platter of meat to share between the three of us. It was huge, the gammon was the size of the plate alone, steak, pork and chicken in huge portions plus all the extras. As you do we’d also ordered sides of chips, dip and halloumi fries and garlic bread and so large were the portions of our mains we didn’t need any of them. Shame because they were delicious. None of the girls could finish their pizza and all three fellas struggled big style with the mixed grill. I’ve personally never seen one like it in my life. I actually felt guilty leaving so much food uneaten. Next time it will be pizza for me for they really did look inviting.
So, was it good value ? The bill was on the high side because of three mixed grills at nearly £30 each, but that was our choice, we didn’t need the sides either, but of course having it being our first visit we didn’t know that. Did we enjoy it ? Without doubt and we will be back. Highly recommended, but not for anyone on a diet. Ralph’s also have live bands on in mid week, so all in all it is a welcome attraction to Cottingham as a place to head for an afternoon/night out.
Hungry Horace.