Ha Ha Bar & Grill

 

 

Ha Ha Bar & Grill
13 The Riverside
The Oracle
Reading
RG1 2AG
T: 0118 958 2822

www.hahaonline.co.uk

Overlooking the River Kennet flowing through the Oracle, the ever expanding food and retail centre of modern Reading, Ha Ha Bar & Grill is the latest addition to the menu of culinary opportunities riverside, or, for those evening revellers, an expansive and well stocked bar where cocktails and drinks can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere.

We decided ti visit on a Saturday evening in the sunshine when the Oracle is at its best, with diners and drinkers over spilling onto the numerous terrace areas outside the multitude of restaurants overlooking the river, providing people watchers like Sue and I with a range of thoughtful comments.

The first thing I noticed upon entry was the sheer size of the place, very high ceilings with gleaming pipe work on show, with a double level restaurant dominated by a bar hosting enough champagne for a Rooney wedding on show, a wonderful and attractive feature. The table are dark wood and, in contemporary style without tablecloths, laid plainly but with purpose, complementing the light brown papered walls and artwork on show. It was fresh, clean and stylish, a highly suitable backdrop from which to compete in a highly competitive market both geographically and financially.

Our highly energetic and attentive Italian waiter brought drinks and a menu whilst bemoaning the state of Italian football, underlining the passion that only Italians can reflect. If the Italian team competing in the European championships had shown half of the energy, footwork and passion of this delightful young man then the team would not be suffering such heavy losses. I succumbed to the lure of a large Peroni, served in a chilled glass, an appropriate choice in terms of the warm weather and my new Italian influence.

Sue was feeling a little under the weather and was content with some sparkling water whilst I enjoyed my starter, a delightful king prawn and smoked salmon cocktail, served on a large white rectangular dish atop a bed of lettuce leaves and gently drizzled with a light sauce. With a sprinkling of black pepper and a strong squeeze of fresh lemon I was in culinary heaven, a healthy plate of fresh produce served with style. I noticed several envious glances from nearby table as my starter was delivered to me, causing several changes in orders taken, a sure sign of success before I had eaten my first prawn!

Sue, now feeling a touch better, went for the mushroom, pea and asparagus risotto, a dish with three kinds of mushrooms, Portobello, chestnut and button mushrooms with asparagus and peas in a rich Arborio risotto, topped with Parmesan with a splash of extra virgin olive oil. She is a great risotto fan, both enjoying it in a variety of restaurants as well as making it at home. This was light, fresh, colourful and absolutely full of flavour. An authentic risotto greatly appreciated by a true fan.

I was attracted to the range of 21 day aged steaks from the grill, with three on offer with a range of sauces available, including blue cheese, firecracker chilli or peppercorn. I was in the mood for a plain steak, selecting a 10oz British rib-eye, although the sirloin and the 16oz T-bone were contenders.

It arrived cooked exactly as requested, with a hint of pink, on a dish which reflected all that is Ha Ha Bar & Grill, style, charm, flair and passion. My plate was dominated by the chargrilled steak, a picture in itself, with the mathematical evidence from the grill burners, along with a grilled plum tomato, a lamb