A lunchtime escape from the pandemic at the 14Twelve Brasserie

Swindon Link's Jamie Hill headed to the Doubletree Hilton just off Junction 16 to find out about their food offering during the pandemic.

We are living in strange times. With pubs and restaurants only able to offer tables outside due to the coronavirus guidelines finding somewhere to eat is like a minefield of trying to book in advance, when everyone has had the same idea, or just showing up with your fingers crossed. Do you feel lucky?

My partner and I were lucky to discover the 14Twelve Brasserie at the Doubletree Hilton, just off Great Western Way next to the M4's Junction 16.

As a hotel at the moment it is only open to essential workers but is preparing to open its doors fully when the guidelines change again on 17 May.

But until then it has created a lovely sun terrace as part of its 14Twelve Brasserie to tempt any lockdown weary food aficionados across its threshold.

First of all, I would like to say that as far as covid-safety is concerned, everyting possible has been done to ensure customers feel as safe as they can be with one-way systems and the tables nicely spaced out for that all so necessary social distancing.

We arrived on a very sunny Friday lunchtime and were welcomed by the brasseries very friendly and professional staff who made us feel as comfortable as possible.

Sitting in the sun on the new terrace, which is very elegantly done, it was definitely an escape from the rigours of another lockdown lunchtime. We were also told that the terrace would soon have state-of-the-art canopies installed along with heaters.

The lunchtime menu was perfect offering a selection of bloomers, wraps, salads and a delicious looking burger. The evening menu offers an even greater selection with everything from sea bass to rustic pizzas.

I opted for a cheese and ham toastie. I love my cheese and ham toasties as they have become a bit of a simple lockdown treat during lockdown. I've got to say, I wasn't disappointed as it was cooked just right. It was accompanied by some really good home-made slaw and very tasty chips.

My partner, who is a coeliac, was really pleased to find out that all of the bloomers and wraps on offer were able to be prepared using gluten free ingredients. She went for a chicken bloomer and waxed lyrical about how tasty it was with every bite.

Overall our lunch was fab and we couldn't fault the service, the food or anything.

The 14Twelve Brasserie is definitely a spot worth discovering and we will definitely be heading there again very soon.

To book a table visit www.14twelve.co.uk