Cafe Concerto

I once took Karen for lunch in this place and was gob-smacked to find I'd have to fork out £23 for it. I was not, therefore, inclined to rush back. Even we, however, feel the occasional need to break our traditional reliance on the Chinese, Indian, Italian and Tex-Mex eating experiences, and this is what Cafe Concerto offers.
Food aside, the place has a bit of a pseuds corner feel about it. These days that means that the diners would love to be discussing the political situation in Kosovo, but actually debate the merits of the Man. Utd/Leeds Utd clash that afternoon. The tables are fairly close together in this long and narrow room, so you are occasionally listening in to other people's opinions during the momentary lapses in your own. And (of course) theirs are never as exciting and original as mine are.
I liked the food though. I took crab cake as a starter, which was quite substantial without being bulky stodge, and served with quite a spicy salsa. Karen skipped this course to save space for the creme brulee desert, the main reason she'd agreed to eat here in the first place! As ever, when our main courses arrived, she decided she preferred the look of my choice above her own and we duly swapped. I'd opted for a pork casserole with cider and cream while Karen had gone for chicken and sweetcorn fritters. Both were fine, in my opinion, although the fritters could have done with more chicken and less corn. We both agreed the stir fried vegetables which accompanied the dishes were spot on. Karen then decided her raspberry brulee was acceptable despite the raspberries, and ate it all up.
No doubt the wine list is thought through, but I'd opted for a bottle of Yorkshire Terrier to wash down the meal. They also had Theakstons on offer alongside the likes of Becks and Stella, and it's not often you're presented the choice. You're never given the option in the likes of Bella Pasta.
We skipped coffee - the place was too hot, and we were too tired - and the meal came to £35. So expect to spend about £20 - £25 a head on a normal night out. Is it worth it? Well, I think I'd go again, pseud that I am.