The Olive Tree - Loughton (Loughton)

• The Olive Tree is in an area which has had its profile raised due to its proximity to venues frequented by the cast of The Only Way is Essex
• Nu Bar and Luxe (owned by Lock) is just down the road
• Firstly it was a Friday in January when I went
• It was quite early in the evening so the streets were quiet and the restaurant was just starting with its first wave of guests
• The restaurant is clean and modern
• It had a very Mediterranean feel with influences from Greece
• As it makes it easier to order from a menu with dishes complimenting each other naturally
• My dining companion who is sensitive to nuts initially enquired about the nut content in this dish
• Our main course I had mixed Seafood Souvlaki which was a skewer of chargrilled scallops
• I could have done with a bit more of the garlic
• Sam Vanilla had Kleftico which was slow cooked lamb shank cooked traditionally with herbs
• She found her lamb to be a little bit on the fatty side with a ration on the meat
• What meat there was did taste great and was suitably tender
• I am intrigued to see what the other items on the menu are like as I refuse to believe that this mediocre experience is what The Olive Tree has to offer
• I will return as I hope that the next experience will prove that Loughton is good for more than reality stars and their drama

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