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Banstead
The Olive Tree

There’s a reason for ‘The Olive Tree’ being a very popular restaurant name; it conjures up vivid images of fresh Mediterranean food and a relaxed, calm eating atmosphere. This is what the new Olive Tree restaurant in Banstead is aiming for, and is well on its way to achieving. Open only a few months, it exudes the atmosphere of a far more established venue. Given that the building was originally The Wheatsheaf pub, and is situated on the main Brighton Road, they have done very well indeed to reinvent it so convincingly. Diners at the next table were back for a second visit, which is always a good sign.

We ate in the restaurant, but, in true Spanish-style, all tapas are available in the comfortable bar area. The amiable staff chatted casually with us and recommended dishes they themselves had tasted. Three tempting specials were described to us: swordfish, rack of lamb and a vegetarian dish entitled Mediterranean delight; our mouths were already watering.

Whilst sipping a lovely Chilean sauvignon blanc, I chose from the hot and cold tapas for both starter and main course, while my partner was tempted with tapas to start. Though hard to nominate from the selection, our favourite tapas were deep-fried prawns with chilli salsa; The Olive Tree salad of feta, tomato, cucumber and olives; smoked haddock and Parmesan croquettes; salt and pepper chicken with sweet chilli relish; and tenderly cooked rinones – kidney in garlic and sherry sauce. The latter necessitated a spoon to ensure my partner didn’t miss any of the rich, meaty sauce.

There was certainly a good range of main dishes from rib-eye steak and chicken wrapped in Serrano ham with cider, bacon and button mushrooms to Andalucian paella and fresh mussels. My companion couldn’t resist the temptation of slow-cooked shoulder of lamb served with beans, chorizo and smoked bacon for his main, and he was certainly not disappointed.

Unable to finish my selection of generous tapas, I wondered if my decision to share a dessert was wise. The apricot tartlet with vanilla pod ice cream tempted me only slightly more than its competitor – rich chocolate torte with raspberry jus. And I managed to eat more than my suggested half, once I tasted the first spoonful.

Enjoying a strong espresso, I sat back to ponder the full effect of our evening at The Olive Tree. The service was attentive and efficient without being intrusive, and the young waiters were very polite and friendly. My first thoughts were that the atmosphere was relaxed and the food honestly priced and prepared with genuine Spanish flavours. Looking back now, I think that says it all. If you happen to visit

The Olive Tree on a Sunday, not only can you choose from the magnificent selection of tapas, but you can also indulge in the enormously popular traditional Sunday roast – available 12.30pm until 10pm.

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