67 Queens Road, Penarth
029 2071 0615 / www.knifeandforkfood.co.uk
One of the four venues run by the bespoke Knife & Fork group, The Pilot was one of its first renovations, undertaken back in 2012. Overlooking Penarth Marina, The Pilot has developed over the last couple of years: run efficiently by its directors, Sharon Noakes, Sean Murphy and Serge Luceau, together they have enhanced the business developing it further with new ideas and fresh dishes. Their success lies in the quality food, no-nonsense approach and fitting in with their surrounding areas.
On the Friday evening we popped in, we chose from the board: pan-roasted cod loin, pea veloute, sautéed peas, hazelnut crumb and tarragon mash (£12.50) and pan-roasted chicken breast with mini jacket potatoes, mushroom duxelles and thyme jus (£12). These were served with a huge plate of freshly made onion rings and seasonal veg, and a bottle of house wine. We sat in the bar section where it’s a far more relaxed affair, easy-going and informal. One of the many plus point of The Pilot and their other venues – The Conway, The Discovery and The Old Swan – is that you can take your dog into the bar area (not the restaurant, obviously). We forgot ours, but there were a few furry friends sat politely with their masters, which is a definite plus. (Incidentally, the dogs were far more well behaved than the children present; as well as accepting man’s best friend, The Pilot provide games and toys to keep the youngsters amused).
The management have created a place where as a drinker, regular after work quickie or a diner you feel totally relaxed and comforted knowing that there is a high level of service and the food standard is equally as high. The sort of place you want to go to yourself with your mates.
words OLLIE HARRISON