By Janette Atkin

Typical isn’t it? As soon as you book a table at a restaurant with its very

own roof-top terrace, it goes and rains.

In fact, for the couple of years that

Colourworks has been in Westbridge Close, Leicester, the summers have been the

wettest I can remember.

Fortunately, there’s a lot more to entice diners to this riverside restaurant

than the promise of an alfresco tipple.

Inside, there’s a modern industrial feel to the place, with an uncovered

ceiling revealing concrete and metal. That could feel a bit cold, but the

stylish brown flock wallpaper, comfy settees and black tablecloths give it a

stylish, sophisticated air.

This was enhanced by the jazz duo playing in one corner, a treat offered

every Friday night, which is probably why the restaurant was so full – we only

spotted one empty table all night.

The location may be another reason for Colourworks’ popularity. The view of

St Mary de Castro Church’s spire poking out from the lush greenery of Castle

Gardens (thanks to all that rain), while the odd canal boat chugs by, would be

hard to better.

As well as lingering on the view, make sure you give yourself time to check

out the menus. Not only is there an a la carte menu, offering a choice of

half-a-dozen or so starters, mains and desserts, but flip the menu over and

you’ll find a great-value selection of pizza and pasta dishes (all for £4.95).

Formerly available Tuesdays to Thursdays, they are now an option on Friday and

Saturday, so don’t let the a la carte prices keep you away.

My boyfriend and I first ordered a bottle of light and fruity house red

(£13.45) then made our choices from the a la carte menu.

Lee’s man-sized starter was the ‘special’ (£5.45), and was two tender

medallions of pork marinated in lemon and garlic, served with spinach and

peppers and caramelised apple slices.

Not to be outdone, my spiced crab cakes (£4.95), were no dainty

disappointment. The plump pair, crammed with crab meat and chunky potatoes, were

served with roasted peppers and topped with a rich, sweet chilli sauce.

For his main, Lee had the Gressingham duck (£15.95). He was surprised to be

asked how he wanted it cooked, expecting pinkness as a matter of course, and in

a panic blurted out “medium”.

Actually, when it arrived, the sweet honey glaze had made it temptingly

blackened and crispy on the outside, but the middle was reassuringly pink. It

sat atop a pile of smooth, rosemary mash, surrounded by a good drizzle of

sharp-flavoured kumquat sauce.

My seabass (£15.95), two white, delicate yet meaty fillets, were topped with

a fresh and crunchy lemon crust and served with crispy saute potatoes,

watercress salad and chilli and coriander butter.

Even Lee, who “doesn’t really like fish’’, thought it was fantastic and is

now a convert.

No dessert for me, I was too full, but Lee’s sweet tooth was craving vanilla

ice cream (£4.25). Here, it is served with a small glass of warm chocolate sauce

on the side, which tempted me to dig my spoon in.

Although the roof-top terrace was covered and in use that night for a private

party, we were allowed to take a peek.

Although we were impressed by the Bedouin tent-like feel to the space, aglow

with flickering lanterns, we were happy to be assured that the marquee can be

whipped off, should the sun make an appearance.

In the meantime, the friendly, welcoming staff took it upon themselves to

sort out an umbrella from lost property to lend us for our stroll home. 

Info

Colourworks, 2 Westbridge Close, Leicester. 0116 262 4170.

Rating: 4/5