No drama - just good food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere

Even at night, with lights glimmering, the ripple of the water it still has a calming affect, and one that made a quick pre-theatre meal at The Chalkboard, on The Embankment in Peterborough, all the more pleasurable.

While the show would go on to be quite a gripping affair, there was no drama in the restaurant – the relaxed and friendly atmosphere matching that created by the nearby Nene.

If you haven’t been, The Chalkboard Tearoom and Bistro became the latest occupier of the beautiful glass fronted restaurant space last summer. Despite the name it does everything from a full-on breakfast, through extremely popular afternoon teas and its trademark chalkboard offerings.

Then there is the slimmed down pre-theatre menu (available 5pm-7pm). The idea is to get everyone fed and watered before the curtain goes up, with the aim being to serve simple dishes, nicely cooked with good quality local ingredients.

The venue also puts on plenty of sideline activities – and the legacy of a demonstration last month by PT columnist Parveen The Spice Queen was my starter, a couple of tasty onion bhajis, golden and crisp,with a yummy mint dip.

Parveen’s influence can also be seen (and tasted) in the mains – a tandoor chicken dish – although I opted for the signature Chalkboard handmade beef burger (meat from a local farm) and a nice thick and tasty patty it was too.

It came in a soft brioche bun with Monterey jack cheese, tasty little slice of streaky bacon, sweet (but with a bit of a kick) chili jam, and a coleslaw with a crunch.

It was good enough for me to forgive it being served on a slate with the excellent triple cooked chunky chips stacked like Jenga!

Two courses costs £15 or, if you have the time, it is three for £18.

Brad Barnes was dining at The Chalkboard on The Embankment in Peterborough (www.thechalkboardpeterborough.co.uk)