We managed to get out for a Sunday lunch today, despite the rain, and headed to Squirrels Bar & Grill. We’ve been here before both just for drinks and also lunch, but hadn’t gotten around to the Sunday roast. Until now, that is!
As a Yorkshireman, I find it an abomination that places even consider serving pre-made, frozen, mass produced Yorkshire puddings, so after seeing photos of the ones served here, this was another deciding factor as to why we visited today.
What We Had.
At the time of booking we were asked what we’d like for our mains, so that is good as it ensures they can cater accordingly. We both had a drink and a starter and main, plus shared a dessert.
Drinks.
I had a pint of draught Aguila, while Soph just had a Coke Zero,
Food.
We’d agreed we were both going to have a different start and a different main, then see if we fancied a dessert afterwards.
Starters.
I had the Mulligatawny Soup, which is a dish I used to make on a weekly basis back when I was a chef, many decades ago. It’s one of my favourite soups, partly because there’s so many different recipes for this Indian soup, whose name translates very roughly as meaning ‘pepper water’. The soup today was a slightly different texture to most, but it had the subtle flavours I was expecting. Served with a couple of pieces of lightly toasted white bread, this was an enjoyable start to the meal.
Soph went for the pulled pork crumpet, which was something new to her and we both enjoyed it.
Mains.
The lamb for Soph which was a small supplement of 3€, but hey she’s worth it.
I had the roast beef, with 3 nice sized slices on my plate.
On the plates were the meat on top of mashed potatoes, with the homemade Yorkies. There were also a couple of large roast spuds too, plus a very tasty seasoning/stuffing portion.
The veggies were carrot and swede, cabbage and broccoli, then there was a nice sized dish of cauliflower cheese.
Finally there was a large gravy boat, of proper meaty gravy.
Dessert.
Yes, we did succumb to a dessert, but only had one to share, as we were both so full. Soph suggested the Key Lime Pie, so we had a portion of this to share.
It’s been a long time since I have had this as a dessert, but this was good. The sharpness of the limes, cut into the taste buds, but then the cream cheese came into play to blend nicely.
What We Liked
Service was excellent, nothing too rushed but the timings were just right. The food was great, and so no complaints at all.
Also several places charge extra for cauliflower cheese, but here it is included and it was lovely, hot and fresh.
Although it was a cold, rainy splattered, overcast day, the heating ensured the dining areas were at a nice and comfortable temperature.
Although parking right outside the door in the tiny car park is very limited, there is the huge car park literally across the street and down a few steps.
What Could Be Improved
I am hard pressed to find anything wrong or that needed changing. The staff were busy, but on the ball.
How Much Did It Cost At Squirrels Bar & Grill For Sunday Lunch
The bill came to 36.60€ in total.
Drinks.
Sophs coke was 1.80€ and my pint was 2.80€, both are decent prices.
Food.
The food was 27.00€ for both of the two course meals. with the 3€ supplement for the lamb and then there was the 2€ for the dessert.
They do list their menu on their Facebook page, but the current prices are:
1 course is 11.50€
2 courses are 13.50€
3 courses are 15.50€
Would We Return To Squirrels Bar
Yes, we would, this is another of these places that we regard as a safe option. By this I mean the service is as good as the food and the prices are reasonable.
How To Find Squirrels Bar & Grill
They are just across from the large carpark in Benimar and their address is C. Aneto, 5b, Benijófar.
Come in from the MacDonalds roundabout and you’ll easily see Squirrels Bar & Grill on your right.
Thankfully they are listed on Google Maps, if you don’t know the area. Be aware, you’ll have to drive up past Squirrels Bar then double back on yourself at the small roundabout by Victoria Palace, to come back down the hill, to turn right to the big car park, which will be on your left.
