Tootsies is situated in the upmarket area of Belsize Park and once inside you’ll find a kind of oasis in the heart of a busy town.

The Venue
The interior decor is very modern, clean and minimalist. The colours are neutral and unobtrusive. On the walls hang photographs of beach huts, sea views and smiling people that contribute in giving the interior ambience a sense of calm and peacefulness. It is spacious, with booths and separate wooden tables adorned with candles. There are ceiling to floor windows so it’s possible to do a bit of people watching if it so takes your fancy. There is also a spacious outside area which would be ideal in summer. Overall, the tone is one that is laid back and relaxed.

The Atmosphere
Tootsies is a great place for families but also couples and small groups of friends. Background music is mellow and at a decent level so conversations can be had comfortably. Service is informal, friendly and approachable which makes all the difference. Even the menu is helpful, with suggestions of which wines to go for depending on which meal you choose.

The Food
The menu consists of mainly burgers and salads. The king prawns are a winner of a dish and are described perfectly - succulent and easy to peel. They come marinated in herbs and are cooked to perfection with just the right amount of spices used. Another starter option are the Loaded Nachos with fresh guacamole, sour cream, turtle beans and chilli beef. Unfortunately it leaves a lot to be desired as the cheese is a little on the hard side.

For mains, the puy lentil and vegetable is a great vegetarian option. It comes with chips and a salad and is as pleasing as it is filling. Also, the salmon with king prawns served with new potatoes and garden salad is perfectly edible but not the best choice, as the salmon is dry and slightly overcooked and lacking in flavour. For sides, the wasabi caesar salad is a disappointment as, as the dressing tastes bland without a hint of the promised wasabi.

Another option is the Prime Argentine Sirloin with a choice of chips or mash, spinach and a choice of green peppercorn and calvados sauce, Bearnaise or garlic butter. Both the potato and spinach are creamy but the whole dish lacks in salt and the steak seems only half cooked to preference, one side medium rare and the other well done.

There is a fair amount of dessert options to choose from and don’t be surprised if you are spoilt for choice. The cherry pudding is baked in a cinnamon suet pastry and is a recommendation from the staff. The cherries are whole and rich and warm and are cooked in a cassis sauce, but the pastry is excessively thick, more like a meat pie pastry than a dessert pastry; a little too much on the heavy side to be enjoyed as a dessert. The Fire and Ice Sundae is a Tootsies special; ice cream, popcorn, chocolate chilli sauce, pear and ginger chutney and whipped cream. The flavours blend together well in a killer of a combination that is definitely worth a try if just to get the taste buds working over time. Definitely a fun option to go for.

The Drink
There is a fine drinks menu available, with nine whites and eight reds to choose from, as well as roses, sparkling wines and cocktails. The house red is the La Croix (£12.50) which is light and easy to drink with a hint of vanilla and peaches. For an extra special treat, go for the Toasted Almond Martini which is a large shot of premium vodka shaken and strained with Kahlua, Amaretto and single cream with toasted almonds. It’s rich, thick and creamy and a perfect way to finish any dish.

The Last Word
Although food is not outstanding, the friendly and welcoming service, relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices are reasons to give Tootsies a try.

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