If you pardon the pun the new ‘Kidds’ on the block are surely going to help to put Frodsham back on the map. Proprietors Nick and Helder, the latter being Portuguese but you’d never guess, are bringing a different dimension to our local eatery establishments.

Having owned the very successful ‘Olive Tree’ in Allerton for two years it was time to expand and bring their successful Italian Bistro to a wider audience. Helder regularly passed through Frodsham en route to Delamere Forest, along with his wife and young family, to walk their dog and it was on one such journey that led to the opportunity to buy what was The Wine Bar in Frodsham, aka Kidd’s Wine Bar.

Helder is an established chef with many accolades and awards added to his CV and along with Nick, they prove to be a superb partnership. When you meet Helder you can’t help but be swept up by his enthusiasm and passion about food. His down to earth manor immediately endears him to you and it’s not false pretenses!

We were invited along to their first true weekend of trade - they must have been confident! And quiet rightly so, we had a superb meal and although the business partners wanted us to truly criticize them I can offer very little criticism as far as the food was concerned. Sure, there were a few things with the décor that needed finishing off for example the lighting was a little too bright but that will be easily sorted with dimmer switches and some paintwork needed finishing off too, but I was assured that would be sorted out asap. The wine glasses and cutlery were fairly basic but that is part of the ‘no frills’, just great food approach.

Helder was keen to establish if our boys, Charlie and Will, felt comfortable in the surroundings. Yes, they loved it!

So on to the meal....
We dined on a Friday evening and took advantage of the 3 course dinner priced at £19.95 per person which includes a bottle of wine between two adults. Mid week this is available at a split cost for 1 course, 2 courses and the 3 course offer - keep it simple is the motto here!

As we perused the menu, complimentary tapas arrived which was a nice touch. A selection of bread sticks, marinated sliced peppers, chick peas and beans in oil, chopped vegetable salsa and mayonnaise dip to munch on.

Faced with the choice of starters we all made our decision bar Will who was between two - the simple solution was to have one as a starter and one as a main course and luckily for us the staff readily facilitated this!

Portion sizes were good and the food was well presented. Thick slices of smoked salmon with rocket leaves and citrus creme fraiche were excellent as was the cod goujons in a light, crunchy batter (Charlie’s starter and Will’s main course). I enjoyed mushroom and garlic bruschetta, the sauce was deliciously rich but by no means too much so!

The main courses were equally good.
Chicken Pizzaiola was an interesting dish.... Chicken breast in bread crumbs complete with a cheese and chunky tomato topping, the cheese had melted to provide a crunchy base. Accompanied by sautéed potatoes Chris thoroughly enjoyed it, not a massive plateful but quite rich and certainly filling.

Charlie’s rib eye steak was cooked to his liking and was very juicy, served as a tower with fat chips, mange tout, onion rings and optional red wine sauce.

The sea bass that I chose was very enjoyable also, accompanied by chunky chips and an interesting selection of vegetables from Marge’s organic allotment!

Italian desserts are always good and here is no exception.
Chocolate and vanilla cheesecake, Creme Brulee, Trio of ice cream (with chunky chocolate bits in) and Tiramisu all were nicely presented with autumn berries and once again it was clean plates all round!

Our verdict...

'Fab food in relaxed, rustic surroundings and the Late Lounge Tapas Bar is open until 2am!'

Book your table now! Call: 01928 732290

You won't be disappointed.