When a Pan Asian Restaurant opens in Liverpool, it's natural for people to speculate.
Mixed messages about the new kids on the block, like Matou, swamp offices in the city, like so many compensation claims. Inevitably, adding more flavour to the already confused palate of the north-west, a region known for their love of fish and chips with gravy.
With panoramic views sweeping across the river Mersey stunning enough to impress the most sceptical of diners, you have to take a moment to savour this delight before anything else.
But instead of the chic, slick service you'd expect with such elegant surroundings, we were met with a vacant stare as the melancholic waitress approached. She was kind enough to oblige us with a smile as we languished by the water feature.
Disjointed and chaotic, Matou is seemingly run on a wish and a prayer, with little skill and sophistication in between. Stolen glances over menus get a poor response from members of staff as we waited with pursed lips, eager to place our order.
Not long after our drinks arrived, greasy heaps of tempura were carelessly placed on the overcrowded table, the dormant wine glasses remaining throughout the course of the night.
The vibrant hues of Pan Asian cuisine seemed somewhat compromised for the wishy washy greys, slippery noodles and faded orange we faced; a 70's throw-back meal served in a charred pineapple. An overcooked duck breast with the texture of tough beef, swimming in a fluorescent sauce, acrid and unpleasant on the tongue. A birthday meal to remember.... read more