Stumps Bistro & Wine Bar - Hyde Park

Atmosphere: ****/5
Food: **/5
Drinks: **/5
Service: **/5

Adventuring out of the CBD and into Hyde Park we stumbled upon Stumps Bistro and Wine Bar, where the outdoor area was full and the décor and set up really pulled us in.

As I have mentioned in previous posts I am always hesitant to visit tapas places as you often leave feeling hungry with your wallet in tack or you can walk out full having bust open your wallet a little further than you wished!   To try and avoid issues of ordering too much we decided to go for an entrée and main ordering style and I must say it worked quite well in regards to not blowing the budget!

I am sorry to say that the starter meals were not much to rave about.  The mushroom doughnuts were confusing to the plate as there was a clash between the cold cauliflower sauce smeared elegantly on the bottom of the plate and the doughnuts were served warm which resulted in me thinking that my half of the dish was not cooked through.  The croquette was also enjoyable but would not be going back to try again.   The third of the first course was the halloumi and it was very simple and a favourite dish of the table with fresh mint and lime.

We were seen to as soon as we sat down.  Although after the first waitress that looked after us had her lunch break with three wait staff looking after around 8 tables and it took us a while to get the attention of the staff, in fact the rest of the service was based around delivering the meals to our table. 

The chicken salad was an interesting one, to be honest, not what I entirely envisioned.  The dressing tasted very much like Keens Curry which was something that I have not had before.  The pizza was defiantly the highlight a lovely light base with a garlic base and lamb.  

 The drinks list is quite basic.  You will be able to find a well known label in the wine list and the beers are your standard beer.   The premium list for the beers and spirits could be improved upon as spirits listed as premium are now first pours for quite a few bars.  

I would recommend Stumps for the atmosphere and outdoor dining, its surrounded by lovely shops on Hyde Park as well so if you eat small I would suggest a Hyde Park meander and browse afterwards!