SALMON, OTTERS & DUCKS The Daily Telegraph wrote: Henry Williamson,…read moreborn in 1895, served in the trenches during the First World War. This extremely
sensitive, highly strung and romantic soul never recovered from the horror and
the disillusionment he experienced in Flanders. From 1921 onwards he buried
himself in the little North Devon village of Georgeham, seeking an escape from
inner torment by exploring and writing about the wild and unfrequented
landscapes of Exmoor. Growing up in the London suburbs, I was eternally gratefully
for his highly-acclaimed works 'Salar the Salmon' and 'Tarka the Otter' which would instantly transport
me to my beloved North Devon, where I spent so many happy times visiting family
during the summer school holidays; a real home from home. My parents went back to their original home there upon
retirement and I still visit my mother there when possible. Tonight we must go the Rock at Georgeham, she announced during
a recent visit, so go we did. I had a vague memory of having gone there many years ago,
but vague it remained. It is essentially an old timbered pub, with a modern conservatory.
Food is served in both areas and we decided to sup some Rioja in the
traditional area.
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The menu is very convincing and even more so the specials
menu, which is displayed on a board but also available in print.
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I thought that that the 'Georgeham cured ham' sounded
pleasingly alliterative, poetic or whatever, and it certainly did not
disappoint. The pan roasted duck breast was sensational, although I did not
take so well to the 'gooseberry tarte tatin' which was 'tarte by name and tart by
nature'. I think duck really deserves something a bit sweeter, but if anything
it was my fault because I chose it. La contessa and la dowager contessa were delighted
with their choices. Reasonable prices, excellent food, great ambiance and also
friendly staff who definitely seemed just that bit more professional than average. Do take a look at the excellent website and if you are in
that neck of the woods, you will not regret visiting.