A large party was booked here for my MIL's birthday. Despite being ripe with taxidermy, the chef was very happy to make me a special vegan meal.
Let me tell you, everyone was very happy with their pre-ordered set meals, but I've never been so well catered for with my "special request" meals.
The starter was much like the dairy version, a thick, earthy mushroom soup that was amazing. Instead of mushrooms on toast I had mushrooms on mushrooms and an avocado version of a Caprese salad.
The show-stopper was the main of FIVE different mini dishes (fish plate had four). Including: a roasted aubergine stack, herbed rice, roasted mix vegetable stack, roasted beetroot, and curried sweet potatoes. Visually appealing and tasted very flavourful due to the freshness.
The only let down was the dessert (it always is). A bowl of fruit. I know this is a preferred dish for many people, but when others are feasting on trifles and chocolate courses and even a fruit crumble, I become a very green-eyed vegan indeed. But of the quality of the starter and main, I can't complain too much (only that tiny bit).
Service was pleasant, the restaurant is old pub chick, nothing to complain about. I later learned the chef, Antony Worrall Thompson, doesn't have the most gleaming of popular reputations. Since the whole family has experienced this restaurant and his great food, they completely eschew the media's ramblings (as they usually do). So don't let that put you off. Seriously, I was super impressed with my food!!
5 stars for caring about my diet, rising to the challenge and smashing it!
*Look for the fencing straw pig! Cute! read more