Harden's says
Not so much 'au revoir' as 'nice to see you again' - Marc Wilkinson closed Fraiche on 14 December 2018, with a view to transplanting it elsewhere. But his plans changed though, and this mainstay of the North West dining scene has now re-opened.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“One of the best in the country” – Marc Williamson “never fails to please and delight with his superb food, excellent wine list, and friendly and knowledgeable staff” at this “very intimate” venture on the edge of Birkenhead. In December 2018 he closed the restaurant with plans to move across The Mersey into Liverpool and double in size from his existing 12 seats (it’s so small, you need to book months in advance). After a March 2019 rethink, though, he decided against scaling up and decided to stay put and do a minor refurb. As he commented in the Liverpool Echo, after he’d decided against going down the expansion route: ‘For good or bad, you get 100% of me – the décor is me, the visuals are me, the music is me. I care, I guess – it’s a passion’.
Summary
“Year on year Marc Williamson keeps providing a sublime experience that I happily travel up from London for!” – that’s the level of enthusiasm provoked by this 12-seater on the fringe of Birkenhead which is now acknowledged (with a bit of help from this guide over the years) as one of the UK’s foremost destinations: “a must-do, with a warm welcome, fabulous relaxing atmosphere and exceptional food and wine”.
Summary
“There is nowhere better in the North West” than Marc Williamson’s “very special” 12-seater on the fringe of Birkenhead. “Very much a labour of the chef’s love, it is unique and hard to compare as his talent is invested into every conceivable aspect of the experience”. “It’s a fantastic effort all around, the music, the ambience; staff who are excellent, attentive, friendly and professional; but the best is the food, with exceptional taste and flavours”. And it has “a brilliant wine list – exciting and well priced – for a small restaurant” too.
Summary
“Mark Wilkinson seems to be taking the cuisine to another level” at his “small but perfectly formed” 12-cover foodie Mecca, on the fringe of Birkenhead. His “dazzling, flavour-packed and perfect” dishes are married with “playful” décor and “superb and attentive” service. “Hard to get a booking, but worth the hassle!”
Restaurant details
Fraiche Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Just back from another experience at Fraiche, some established favourites, some new dishes all worth photographing and amazing flavours supported by friendly and capable service ....we will be back"
"fantastic innovative food. don't miss this one"
"We have been fortunate enough to eat at Fraiche on a regular basis over the last few years. We ate there last weekend and the food was sublime. The new decor is warm and welcoming and Marc retains his magic touch. No doubt it will continue to be as difficult as ever to get a booking once he opens again fully. I wish him well with Fraiche 19."
"Having been fortunate to have dined at Fraiche a few times, we always expect nothing but perfection, yet with every visit Marc surprises us with more breathtaking food. The execution of each dish is impeccable, every element balances and compliments each other perfectly. The decor, lighting and soundtrack, everything has been carefully chosen to compliment the food. Words simply cannot describe the sublime sensations when dining at Fraiche. Thank you Marc for the relentless passion and bringing magic to the culinary world."
"Described as a dining experience....which might sound pretentious but it’s not....a great very welcoming experience from walking in the door via around 15 tasty things......to coffee and sweets....amazing flavours, amazing textures...amazing experience....just had a great evening"
"Fabulous restaurant with amazing food. Marc's cooking just gets better and better."
"We had the pleasure of dining here for the second night of the soft launch. The food continues to impress with clever twists on more traditional themes and food that deserves to be photographed. As it was only just opening front of house was not as polished as we may be used to but it was enthusiastic and stayed just the right side of professional and friendly. Marc Wilkinson continues to amaze!"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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| Lunch | £48.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £90.00 | |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £25.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
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| Service | 10.00% |
11 Rose Mount, Oxton, CH43 5SG
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 7 pm-9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7 pm-9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-1:30 pm, 7 pm-9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-1:30 pm, 7 pm-9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm-1:30 pm, 7 pm-9:30 pm |
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