Having researched places to eat beforehand Bar and Block caught my eye. The main feature I wanted to try was there triple cooked chips, which were a thing I love. Located centrally and situated next to the premier inn hotel. We visited at lunchtime and it was somewhat quiet, with one other table being occupied.
We sat down and looked through the menu, I was going to have the lamb shank. The waitress took the order but unfortunately came back to say they had none. So I had to rethink my food order. There had light bites so I opted for a selection of those. I also, of course, had a side of triple cooked chips. My boyfriend opted for the Bbq pork belly(£15.50).
We didn't have to wait long for food which was good. The waitress also checked for sauces before we ate. My boyfriend's pork belly was mediocre, although its bbq smoked it could have done with bbq sauce as well. On the side, he had apple slaw and some chips. The slaw was awful and didn't go with the meat combination.
So, in the end, I opted for the 3 smaller dishes. The first dish I had was mac and cheese bites(£3.75). I could instantly see them steam rising off them, I didn't want any cheesy burnt mouth. When I did eventually take a bite the outside was nice and crispy, but even for a cheese lover like me, it was a lot of cheese.
The next dish I had was pulled beef croquettes (£4.95) served with lemon and garlic mayo. These also were boiling to eat, which at least means no food poisoning. When you cut into them the pulled beef is nice and tender. It is a bit messy to eat as well as the beef falls out of the croquettes mostly. The mayo blends well with the meat and overall is a good dish.
I also opted for salt and pepper squid infused in chilli and garlic(£6.50). I'd say this was the best dish they had to offer. And you get quite a lot of your money.
Finally onto what I came here for the beef triple cooked chunky chips (£3.25).unfortunately, these did not live up to the name. Thinking about them when reading is salivating, but when eating them it does not have the same effect. I was expecting chips tasting like steak. I've had them other places so I know what flavour I'm expecting.
Overall the food is just average compared to other places. The staff are friendly and the decor is appealing. If I do return maybe it would be best to try a steak as that's most likely their speciality.