This is my third visit to the Masons Arms under ownership of its current custodians so I knew what to expect but I didn't remember it being this good. It's been 6 years now that Mark Dodson has had a Michelin Star so this should be good. It was a nice day to drive out for lunch allowing us to enjoy the views across Exmoor.
On arrival in the beautifully snug bar of the Masons we enjoyed a warm welcome from Sarah Dodson, a pint of local ale and gin & tonic whilst we looked over both menus - there's 'a la carte' and a 'light lunch' menu, which you can mix and match. This was great because I was really torn as they both featured different dishes that I liked!
Once we'd made our choice and made a decision on wine (good choice and reasonably priced) we made our way through to the dining room with its fresco ceiling and neatly arranged tables. From our table we could enjoy the view into the neighbouring valley and the field where some guests, not us, land their helicopters!
Initially we were presented with some beautifully warm breads, freshly baked, and salted butter. Our starters arrived. I'd chosen the Croquette of Ham Hock and the wife predictably chose Cornish Asparagus with Hollandaise and Poached Egg (perfectly done to order and not refreshed). My Croquette of Ham Hock came with a beautiful pea puree, mint butter and a bed of pea shoots and carrots julienne. All really great combinations and the warmth of the croquette and the freshness of the puree and butter were lovely. Needless to say we made short work of these!
In between courses we had a perfectly steamed piece of salted cod presented upon a potato and chorizo mash and surrounded by a small pool of refreshing tomato and basil vinaigrette. This was a great little interlude to what was turning out to be a great lunch.
The main course didn't disappoint. I choose the Saddle of Rabbit Wrapped in Prosciutto with Herbed Risotto. If I remember correctly I'd chosen this from the 'Light Lunch Menu' so I was amazed at the generous size of what I was presented - this is not a complaint but a welcome sight! The colours on the plate made a really pretty picture and ate well too. The rabbit, obviously not wild, was beautifully moist and the vegetables still had a nice bit of crunch and bags of flavour. The herbed risotto cooked to perfection was really nice but I was too interested in the main event itself, the rabbit! Again clean plates were returned to the kitchen. The wife had a beautiful chicken dish with a truffle ravioli and a wonderful morel sauce.
It was a quiet lunchtime when we visited but whilst we were there a couple just came in and shared a plate together (not too sure what it was) but I thought this is a great way to enjoy Marks creations. It doesn't have to be a special occasion just a starter and glass of wine as a light lunch unlike ourselves!
We're already planning our next visit which will be a special occasion for father-in-laws birthday and knowing how opinionated he can be I know he won't be disappointed! read more