TASTE TEST: A McElhenney and Cheese at Wrexham's 'The Bank'
The Bank is a 'small plates' restaurant based at 43 High Street, right in the heart of Wrexham's city centre.
Established in 2009, it specialises in serving tapas, cocktails and wine.
And 'small plates' it may be on paper, but my visit there certainly left me feeling full and satisfied.
I took a lunchtime trip to The Bank which, during Easter weekend, received a visit from Wrexham AFC co-chairman Rob McElhenney.
Just days before the Reds were promoted to the EFL Championship, Rob visited the venue and approved of one of its dishes being named after him (We'll come to that in the minute!).
I visited earlier this week, on a day where it was absolutely scorching in Wrexham.
The Bank's website states that it is a 'beautifully renovated building' and it's hard to argue with that as, as soon as I entered it, it left me feeling impressed.
It was a 'table for one' for this reporter on his lunch break and I opted for the very value-for-money 'three small plates for £18' deal.
From a vast menu of delicious-sounding tapas options, I chose the Hot honey belly pork, the truffle fries and the McElhenney and Cheese!
The pork was cooked wonderfully and fell apart nicely. The mustard glaze mixed well with the meat, as well as the spring greens it accompanied.
My trio of delicious 'small plates' I ordered at The Bank in Wrexham. (Image: Newsquest)
The truffle fries were a treat too, with the Grana Padano adding some extra flavour to the already mouth-watering truffle-ness.
Finally, the 'McElhenney N' Cheese', named in tribute to Wrexham's co-chairman, was also a delight, it was a perfect side dish to accompany the other duo which I ordered.
It contained Welsh rarebit, a herb crust and a dash of Abergele whiskey which gave it an unusual but nevertheless outstanding taste.
As for drinks, I simply had a coke (and a jug of water as it was 23 degrees outside!).
But, I did spot that the bar does offer some top options on tap for anyone looking to enjoy a good beer there - including Leffe, Camden Ale and, of course, Wrexham Lager.
Looking at the board in the venue, The Bank also does a 'Wine Club Wednesday', offering three plates and a glass of wine for the reasonable price of £22.
The interior itself was lively, with just the one table free when I walked in, perhaps proving The Bank's deserved popularity. But having said that, it was still quiet enough for you to enjoy a meal in peace too.
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The overall experience I had at The Bank was thoroughly enjoyable and the dishes I was served were superb.
I paid just £21.50 for the pleasure of those three plates (and the pint of coke) that, although regarded as 'small plates', left me feeling full for the rest of the day.
I will certainly be returning to what is, in my opinion, a real gem in the heart of Wrexham.
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