Collage Restaurant, situated inside Radisson Blu Durham, has launched its new summer menu – and guests can expect dishes that give a nod to classic British dishes and international twists
Durham’s Collage Restaurant has launched a new summer menu and head chef Chris Atherton is hoping to tantalise diners’ taste buds with dishes that feature classic British dishes and international twists.
Wagyu cheeseburger, tuna tataki and a charcuterie platter are just some of the dishes now available at Collage Restaurant, situated inside the Radisson Blu Hotel Durham – where foodies can enjoy a relaxed dining setting or eat on the outside terrace overlooking the River Wear.
“The menu is varied so we’re catering to different palates. The pan-roasted chicken is a real summery hit, and all the ingredients work well together with the gratin dauphinoise adding a delicious creaminess to the dish,” says Chris, whose culinary career spans 15 years working in top hotels and restaurants,” says Chris.
“My favourite dish from the new menu has to be the chocolate and salted caramel delice – it’s absolutely amazing. It’s layered so you get a sponge base, chocolate mousse, topped with more sponge and a salted caramel mouse and a chocolate glaze on the top. It works really really well with the coconut sorbet.”
Small plates on the new menu include burrata with heirloom tomatoes and black olive tapenade; smoked salmon with pickled fennel, chive sour cream and sourdough crisps; and falafel hummus with chimichurri and pickled onion.
Lamb shank with baba ganoush, rocket and pickled onion salad and pan-roasted chicken breast with potato gratin, pea purée, asparagus and red wine jus are available from the ‘big plates’. A wagyu burger, featuring red onion jam and truffle mayo; 8oz ribeye steak and a vegan burger feature on the ‘from the land’ section of the new menu, while ‘from the sea’ there’s traditional fish and chips and tuna tataki, served with sesame crust, wakame, coriander and ginger ponzu.
“I think a lot of people hear ‘hotel restaurant’ and just assume that it’s only for hotel guests, but we’re very much a restaurant for everyone. We’re trying to break down those barriers and, with the new menu, encourage locals and people visiting Durham City to try something different. Yes, there are a lot of restaurants and chain restaurants in the city, but Collage offers good, honest food that’s full of flavour and cooked well.”
A choice of side dishes – from skin-on-chips to tender stem broccoli with toasted almonds and chimichurri – are also available, as well as a range of bites and nibbles.
When it comes to desserts, there’s a raspberry and almond cake; chocolate and salted caramel delice and a selection of British cheeses or ice cream and sorbet.
Stuart Lloyd, manager at Radisson Blu Durham, says: “Collage restaurant offers a scenic location and a varied menu with classic British dishes and international twists. Located on the banks of the Wear, the restaurant is perfect for a post-dinner wander with countryside ambience and Cathedral views just a 5 minutes walk away.
“The new menu has some traditional favourites and some new flavours so for adventurous diners or comfort eaters, there is something for everyone.”
A range of continental beers and big names such as Madri, Staropramen or Rekorderlig cider are available on draft as well as bottled ales such as Doom Bar.
“Our gin range features local Durham distillery choices and the ever-popular Whitley Neil flavours too. You’ll find your favourite tipple in Collage,” added Stuart.
Collage Restaurant is open from 6pm to 9.30pm 7 days a week.
