FOOD + DRINK
© Sideways Media
UNITÀ 4
UNDERPINNED WITH A FIRM COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND FOOD PROVENANCE , LED BY AN UNMISTAKABLE MEDITERRANEAN PASSION FOR GOOD FOOD AND GOOD TIMES , AND SHOWCASING JUST HOW ‘ FRESH ’ RELAXED DINING CAN BE , UNITÀ 4 IS BRINGING LONG-AWAITED , LAID-BACK , AUTHENTIC DINING , RIGHT TO THE HEART OF ASHFORD . BY SAMANTHA READY
As one of the growing number of post-lockdown endeavours to open its shiny doors at Elwick Place , UNITÀ 4 has arrived on the Ashford dining scene with a fresh approach that extends from its bright and modern dining room to its authentic Italian pasta and pizza which are all handmade on site .
Spearheaded by head chef Damiano , whose Puglian influence brings warmth , energy and an unwavering commitment to quality Italian food and some great cocktails too , and owner Ainara ’ s unrivalled understanding of not just what works in hospitality but also what Ashford , her hometown , evidently needed . The concept is spread throughout a large bright indoor restaurant ; neatly laid with bench and free-standing tables and offering views of the open kitchen , pasta room and striking central bar ; and a spacious outdoor terrace .
Inside , the space is industrial chic meets instagrammable night out , with the deep green and grey palette on the walls and ceilings offset with pops of colour , playful signage and neon accents . It is fashionably welcoming yet utterly unpretentious and relaxed .
Showcasing the simplicity of quality seasonal ingredients and authentic Italian recipes , the menu is full of interesting pastas and pizzas and Italian starters and sides . Think tomato and mozzarella arancini ; focaccia ; picante pizzas loaded with mozzarella , Italian chorizo and gorgonzola ; and fresh strozzapreti pasta with sausage ragout , oyster mushrooms , pecorino romano and thyme ; alongside ever-changing daily special additions too . Visitors to Unità 4 not gain an insight into how the dishes are made from the open kitchen and purpose-built glass-fronted pasta room from their tables , but can also book onto a host of special pasta-making workshops and parties too .
Taking our seats and toasting our evening with a Prosecco rossini , Aperol spritz and espresso martini respectively ( all amazing I hasten to add ), we began the difficult decision of what to order , settling eventually on the arancini , delicious crisp balls of fluffy rice with the delicate sweetness of fresh tomatoes and richness from the creamy mozzarella ; the strozzapreti , a heaving dish of rich , tangy sauce and long pasta ; and the wonderfully moorish margherita pizza from from the main menu ; and the daily specials of the special white-based pizza with Italian ham , shaved parmesan and rocket ; and the table favourite of the evening , the four cheese ravioli , the pasta ’ s rich buttery sauce , perfectly al dente shell and devine subtle cheese flavours instantly fought over from all sides . We ended with a cheeky tiramisu which was served in cute glass cups and offered just the right mix of flavours ; and the indulgent chocolate and almond Caprese tart , heaving with chocolate chips and perfectly finished with vanilla ice-cream .
With a mouth-watering array of pizza and pasta including options for vegetarians , vegans and the kids too , and an evident commitment to not only creating delicious dishes but the best place to enjoy them in too , UNITÁ 4 is already making its fresh mark on the Ashford dining scene !
UNITÀ 4 Elwick Place Ashford TN23 1AX www . unita4 . com
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