David J.
Yelp
There aren't a lot of eateries in this neck of the woods, so we decided to give the Hare & Tortoise a try recently.
The menu is Japanese-focused but with other oriental dishes, served in a cafe-bar ambiance. Think Wagamama but with a longer menu and individual tables, and more Chinese inspired choices. There are glass walls on two sides of the main dining area, which gives it a bright and spacious feel. The decor is modern but clean, with a single canvas of modern art adorning the main wall.
The menu is quite wide-ranging: there is a long choice of starters to choose from, which include both Japanese and Chinese fare, as well as Japanese-style salads and south-east asian style soups. Mains include sashimi, sushi/maki, rice- and noodle-based dishes, and ramen noodles served in big bowls with broth. Drinks include a small, reasonably-priced wine list, Japanese and Chinese beers and teas and the usual soft drinks.
My partner and I had Spiced Chicken Wing-sticks with Chinese spices and Vegetarian Spring Rolls with dipping sauce, followed by Vegetable and Tofu Ramen and Char Siu Don (pork marinated with honey and spices). The starters were both good, and the ramen bowl excellent (huge, sweet chunks of tofu, which is some achievement), although the pork was disappointingly bland.
However, main-course portions are generous and, at £12 a head, including drinks and service, you can't really complain. (And the ramen bowl at £4.95 is excellent value for money). A pint of Kirin beer at £2.90 is pretty good for a restaurant, too.
Service was very friendly, but a little bit too efficient - my partner's main course arrived, and was left - while he was still mid-way through his starter. I appreciate that (like Wagamama) the dishes may arrive when they are ready, but in this case it meant it began to get cold.
The staff also - all of them - left their posts to have their communal after-work meal adjacent to where people were still dining. Although it was 10.30, this still gave the impression that customers were outstaying their welcome, which I don't really think is a good idea. (If they took it in turns, it wouldn't feel so bad). I've deducted a star for this, otherwise it would be a comfortable 4 stars.