< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGThe Forge Café and Restaurant issituated at Caistor Equestrian Centre,but you don’t need to make use of theCentre to enjoy the culinary facilities.Indeed over the last six months,since it has been taken over by thenew Chef/Proprietor and his team, TheForge has become a highly populardining experience. That’s notsurprising given its fabuloussurroundings, situated in grounds ofover thirty acres in the NorthLincolnshire Wolds.To celebrate Valentine’s Day, TheForge is offering an amazing three-course meal for couples, for just £25on Saturday evening 11th and Sundaylunchtime 12th February. This is for adeliciously tempting Valentine’s menu,which is sure to set pulses racing. Youare encouraged to bring your ownchampagne or wine to celebrate,although The Forge currently does nothave a drinks licence, the staff canhappily chill what you bring and serveit to your table.The Forge aims to offer a warm andinviting setting. A glass-frontedrestaurant allows diners a panoramicview over the indoor show arena,giving the opportunity to see theequestrian activities. Whether you havea passion for all things equine or not,this is a great place to enjoy fabulousfood with your amour for Valentines.Open seven days a week, the Forge issplit into two. The café and restaurantcan cater for other functions, andencourages groups to book for meetingsand conferences. They’re also a greatvenue for a traditional Sunday lunch,when booking is advisable. The menuchanges regularly, making the best useof seasonal produce available, andthere are always daily specials, as wellas a host of regular deals providingvalue for money.On Friday evenings the Centre holdsregular horse shows and the restaurantis available for diners to enjoyexcellent food combined with thenovelty of watching the competition –again, booking is advisable.The Forge is open Monday toThursdays 11am to 7pm, Fridays 11amtill late, Saturdays 9am til late forfunctions and Sundays 9am to 5pmwith Sunday lunch served 12pm to4pm. The Forge may not be the firstplace you’d think of to dine but itoffers quality food in spades, and theview over the arena offers a veryspecial setting.The Forge, Caistor Equestrian CentreThe Forge Café and Restaurant is at the Caistor Equestrian Centre on Moor Lane and for moreinformation, call 07807 240761 or email info@theforgeatcaistor.co.uk50:Layout 1 20/1/12 14:22 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY51FOOD & DININGWith a fantastic, luxurious venueand setting, the Reindeer Inn is openfrom Tuesday to Sunday every weekfor corporate events, business lunches,special occasions, and top qualityevening dinners, so we simply had tosample what was on offer.Although we’re not familiar withSandtoft, the venue was surprisinglyeasy to find. We were hungry onarrival so were immensely pleased tofind there was a huge choice on themenu for all three courses.Poring over the menu, we werespoilt for choice, everything soundedincredibly tempting and witheverything home-cooked and lovinglyprepared, we had to whittle down ourchoices.To start, I opted for some extremelytasty Thai fishcakes, which wereserved with a sweet chilli sauce whichhad just the right amount of kick to it.Not too hot, but equally, not overlysugared, which can impair thiscommon, but luxurious dish. My dining partner opted for somecrispy belly pork which came with asharp, tasty honey and mustard sauce.Crispy in the extreme, but with tendermeat included too, it was delicious.The chef’s specials change to providesomething new for regulars and newcustomers alike. Looking over thespecials board, we opted for aCaribbean jerk chicken with rice and agrilled fillet steak and stilton sauce.The chicken was a revelation,having been prepared in a Jamaicanmarinade that was both aromatic andspicy. The accompanying rice was lightand fluffy, meaning the flavours werecushioned from being overpowering, aside salad also gave the wholeensemble a fresh and satisfying finish. The steak was cooked to perfection,with some excellent accompanimentin the form of sumptuous andflavoursome mushroom, some thick-cut and crispy chips and a side saladfinishing it off nicely. The stiltonsauce was served in a separate sauceboat, meaning you could drizzle therich, creamy sauce over the meal toyour taste, a nice touch as othereateries would simply smother yourmeat, meaning a whole dish taintedwith one taste. Full marks to the headchef Ben and chef Ryan, this was anexcellent take on an old classic. After our two courses, we were bothfull to bursting, but still managed totackle what seemed the lighter out ofall of the desserts, a white chocolateand wild berry parfait, which wentdown very well. It was a luxurious mixof white chocolate creaminess and thesharp taste of the berries, simplygorgeous. The service at The Reindeer wasimmaculate and the timing betweencourses was perfect. We both had alovely evening, the staff are all veryfriendly –so friendly in fact, we wouldgo every night if we could!The Reindeer Inn,SandtoftThe Reindeer Inn is in Sandtoft, Doncaster, and to book a table call 01724 710774.52:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:32 Page 152 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGHaving been established almostfourteen years, the Mussel and Crab isnestled on the side of the road justoutside of Tuxford with somebreathtaking views. Bruce and AllisonElliott-Bateman sum up the Musseland Crab as ‘not your run of the millrestaurant’, and they would be right.They both have experience in thehotel and catering industry, and haveput their knowledge of the industry togood use, bringing more than a hintof zest to a wholly original eatery.Having taken over the venue in1998, when it was known as The RoyalOak, they have transformed the largepremises into an engaging place to eatand drink. With three dining areas,diners can choose where they wouldprefer to eat. These range from thetraditional dining area, to an Italian-style piazza area that boasts views ofthe surrounding fields and a private,more intimate room that can bebooked for up to 24 people.With wide-ranging prices and anextensive menu, including sea bass,monk fish, squid and a host of otherdelicious seafood, diners are spoilt forchoice. Even those who aren’t partialto the fruits of the sea are catered for,with 30-day hung steaks available andother menu choices ready to tantaliseyour tastebuds.Head chef Phillip Wright has beenpart of the team since its inception asThe Mussel and Crab, the namecoming from the first two seafoodoptions they served. The menu,according to Phillip has evolved overthe years to include almost everything.There is a wide range of specialsavailable, such as Monkfish wrappedin bacon, oven-baked and served witha parsley mash, red wine andmushroom sauce or the equallytantalising Sea bass with creamed leaksand mussels. Other favourites such ascod, lobster, mullet and sole also makeregular appearances on the specialsboards, dotted around the bar area.Phillip sources his fish, shellfish andother produce from around thecountry, including from Scotland,Colchester and closer by in Grimsby.This ensures everyone can be sure ofbeing pleased with whatever theyorder.The quirky touches are subtle butimmediately noticeable from walkinginto the restaurant, from the seasidenoises as you enter the building to theimpressive hand-shaped seating in thebar area, these elements come togetherto create an intriguing and invitingplace to visit.Open seven days a week for lunchand evening meals, the restaurant hasrecently launched an early bird menu,which gives you one starter and onemain course for £10, Monday to Fridayfrom 11am to 12.15pm and from 6pmto 7pm.The restaurant is open for threesittings on Mother’s Day on March18th, from noon, 2pm and 4pm. Thiscomes in the form of a starter, main,sweet and coffee course for just £22.The restaurant is also open from 6pmonwards for the normal menu.The Mussel & Crab,TuxfordThe Mussel and Crab is on Sibthorpe Hill just outside Tuxford, and to book a table,call 01777 870491.52:Layout 1 23/1/12 08:39 Page 1Punch House37 High Street, HorncastleTel: 01507 525964Punch House, Horncastle is a relaxed pub with comfy sofasin the heart of Horncastle, offering real ales, Lavazza coffeewith lunch served 11am to 2.30pm Tuesday to Friday. PunchHouse, Horncastle shows all the big events on Sky Sports, andit has a pool table and a children’s playroom.The venue also holds regular events and live music, open til3am Fridays and Saturdays with a DJ both nights.Byards Leap LodgeEast View, Byards Leap, Cranwell, SleafordTel: 01400 261375/07957 885913www.byards-leap-lodge.co.ukWhether you are on a leisure or business trip, you’llfind the hospitality of the Country Kitchen and Lodge justas warm as it was in the nostalgic times of Bayard and OldMeg. The Lodge has five double rooms, all of which areen-suite and on the ground floor. Additionally they can provide accommodation for guestsrequiring a room with dedicated facilities for the disabled.Clumber Park Hotel and SpaBlyth Road, Clumber Park, North Nottinghamshire S80 3PA Tel: 01623 835333 Email: weddings@clumberparkhotel.comwww.clumberparkhotel.comEnjoy a wonderful wedding day to remember. At theClumber Park Hotel and Spa, they offer excellent quality,service and attention to detail, with Clumber Park andSherwood Forest providing an ideal backdrop formemorable photography.The King’s Head InnMill Road, TheddlethorpeTel: 01507 339798 www.kingsheadinn.comCome and visit the UK’s longest single thatched PublicHouse, built in 1623. Dave and Jackie invite you for a homecooked meal or just a light lunch. The King’s Head Inn promises food made from the bestingredients, prepared with care and imagination. You will alsofind at least three real ales on tap. Also available are bespoke wedding functions.Newly refurbished restaurant and new menus now available for 2012!The China Royal Restaurant6 Bridge Street, Brigg DN20 8LNTel: 01652 650688 (reservations)/654762 (takeaway)Email: info@chinaroyal.co.uk www.chinaroyal.co.ukThe intimate, warm surroundings of the China Royal are idealfor the most romantic dinner or the largest banquet. Serving thebest in Chinese cuisine, it has five star scores on the doors, and was named OrientalRestaurant of the Year 2009, 2010 and 2011. A free rose is on offer for Valentine’s table bookings.Ye Olde CrowneClasketgate, LincolnTel. 01522 262101The newly refurbished Ye Olde Crowne is a lovely beamedTudor building in the heart of Lincoln, just a stone’s throw awayfrom the Theatre Royal – an ideal place to stop for a pre- or post-theatre drink or meal.A great NEW menu is on offer with daily specials, homemadefood plus an extensive wine list and range of cask ales. A specialTheatre Menu offers two courses from just £10.95.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY53YOUR VENUEBEST WESTERN North Shore Hotel & Golf ClubNorth Shore Road, Skegness Tel: 01754 763298 Email: info@northshorehotel.co.uk www.northshorehotel.co.ukFood, drink and service at the BEST WESTERN NorthShore Hotel are second to none. See for yourself...The oak-panelled James' Restaurant has views over theLincolnshire Coast, almost as gorgeous as the fresh localproduce served. When it comes to choice, the open planBraid Bar offers a selection of cask ales that complement the‘usuals’ to give you a tempting variety.The Forge at CaistorCaistor Equestrian Centre, Moor LaneTel: 07807 240761 Email: info@theforgeatcaistor.co.ukThe Forge is a fantastic setting for any function. A glass-fronted restaurant allows diners a panoramic view over theindoor show arena, giving the opportunity to see theequestrian activities.The Forge is split into two. The café and restaurant would like to encourage groups formeetings and conferences. They’re also a great venue for a traditional Sunday lunch, whenbooking is advisable.pictureThe Waggon and HorsesSouth Reston, LouthTel: 01507 450364www.waggonandhorsesreston.co.ukFor over 130 years, the Waggon and Horses at SouthReston, between Mablethorpe and Louth on the A157, hasalways been a traditional Lincolnshire country pub.It prides itself on sourcing locally grown produce and has also been awarded an excellentrating for food hygiene. Whether for business or pleasure, a trip to the Waggon and Horses isnot to be ignored.Stapleford Park Country House HotelStapleford, near Melton Mowbray Tel: 01572 787000Email: reservations@staplefordpark.co.uk www.staplefordpark.comStapleford Park is a relaxed seventeenth century home set in fivehundred acres of parkland. Enjoy amazing food, unobtrusive serviceand the uniquely elegant surroundings of one of England’s finestcountry house hotels.Fine dining lunch is served Monday to Saturday, from £18.50 for twocourses. Fine dining dinner is Wednesday to Saturday, from £46.50 forthree courses. Casual dining and afternoon tea runs every day.Botts Bistro & Coffee ShopCrowders Garden Centre, HorncastleTel: 01507 528610Open Monday to Saturday 9.30-4.30 and Sunday 10-4 (last orders3.45). Why not visit for a coffee and snack in a family friendlyatmosphere? Hot food is available every day until 3pm, made freshwith ingredients from local suppliers. The new extended restaurant isdue to open in March.Botts is part of Crowders, a seventh generation family business thatwelcomes gardeners from Lincolnshire and throughout the UK.The Epworth TapMarket Place, EpworthTel: 01427 873333 www.theepworthtap.co.ukNestled in the heart of Epworth, the Epworth Tap opens itsdoors to all customers with a love for fine food and even finerwine. With a passion for serving fresh ingredients, locally sourcedwhere possible, and with an ever-changing menu, there isalways something to temp the tastebuds. You’ll always begreeted with a friendly and relaxing rustic atmosphere.Village LimitsStixwould Road, Woodhall SpaTel: 01526 353312 www.villagelimits.co.ukTastes of Lincolnshire Best Pub 2010. Fully refurbished in2011, the Village Limits is a friendly, relaxing country pub withaccommodation.Situated half a mile from the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa,call in and enjoy great fresh food, free WiFi, Stokes of Lincoln espresso coffees, AirConditioning and homemade puddings. Avoid disappointment – call ahead. Food every day6.30pm-9pm and 11.30am-2pm. Closed Monday lunchtime.Little Frankie’sHildred Shopping Centre, SkegnessTel: 01754 896210Little Frankie’s has the perfect packages to suitevery budget this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the twocourse Lunch Menu from £7.95 or three courses for£8.95 available all day, Monday to Friday. One coursefrom the lunch menu costs just £5.95.Alternatively, treat your special someone to two courses from the Specials Menu for £10.95or add a third course for just £1.95 available all day, Sunday to Friday.53:Layout 1 20/1/12 14:26 Page 1As we close winter’s bookand peel back the freshnew pages of spring,Colin Smale writes aboutthree cheering harbingersto see no matter whatthe weather54 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWILDLIFEOne is an iconic sound of England.Go to almost any Lincolnshire villageto watch and listen to the rapturoussounds of a rookery. It’s raucous, it’sfrantic but it’s February and that’s allthey need to know – it’s nesting time.High up in the sycamore trees theyare courting and arguing about whogets the best branch to build a nestupon. Pilfering neighbours’ nestmaterial is going on all the time and intheir haste to escape with the bootythey quite often drop the twigs inpanic. All day long the rooks can beseen flying in carrying small branchesof every shape and size yet they seemtotally uninterested in the growing pileof dropped twigs below.It’s likely there will already be somenests with early eggs – these will beadults that have seen a few years andare experienced in the business of nestbuilding. They will already haveselected the safest sturdiest part of thetree to nest while the younger birdswere still looking on. Now all thosechoice nest sites have been taken,second best is now prime!From treetop height, I’ve watchedrooks come in with the very first stickand carefully lay it on the branchwhere they have decided to build theirnest – a ‘round’ branch which is usuallyblowing in the wind. The rook, wellaware of the wind, carefully and almostartistically attempts to place thistreasured twig on the branch.Eventually, almost inevitably really, itfalls off and adds to the growing heapon the ground sixty feet below. Theylook at one another askance. I wish Iknew what they were saying but I defyanyone not to burst out laughing atthese antics.The second ‘must see’ birds are thesimply magnificent Great CrestedGrebes. They frequent our largerfreshwater lakes such as Whisby, Far Ingsand Cleethorpes Country Park. Seen inglorious spring sunshine, they are oneof our most colourful, dazzling birds. They are about 50cm in length witha longish bill, a dark crown, white faceand a ruff – a fizzingly beautiful ruffused to good effect during courtship.Here again we have a similar nestritual, only this time instead of twigs,the male brings the female a beakful oflong dripping-wet water weed pluckedfrom the deep. As he approaches heron the water he raises himself up andit is now the ruff comes into play. Heflings his head from side to side and ashe does so the ruff is thrown out like agirl’s twirling skirt. The femaleresponds in the same manner althoughher ruff isn’t quite as big. Eventuallythey both stand up in the water anddo the famous ‘grebe dance’. You need to get as close as possible tosee all the colours of course. On Sundayafternoon it’s amazing how manyAs we close winter’s bookand peel back the freshnew pages of spring,Colin Smale writes aboutthree cheering harbingersto see no matter whatthe weatherWith thesetwigs...With thesetwigs...54-55:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:35 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY55WILDLIFEpeople visit these lakes just to witness this grebe display dance.The weed is gathered in a quiet little spot in one of themarginal reed beds. More weed is added to each day andeventually the floating nest also has precious eggs but sadly fewnests survive. Is it crows, rats and stoats? In fact it is usually dogwalkers and sadly they have no idea what their dog has done asit takes place in the middle of the reed bed out of their sight.One day while I was sitting on the bank side watching thegrebes on the lake, a springer spaniel came my way from my left.It was frantically crashing through the marginal water weed andheading for the tall phragmites reeds on my right where a greatcrested grebe was sitting on eggs. The dog’s owner was quite away behind and simply thought the dog was having fun. Itinevitably crashed into the tall reeds and ‘sprung’ the sittinggrebe and totally destroyed the carefully constructed nest. I amtrying to persuade the warden to erect a small chicken wire fencearound these small reed beds to ‘deflect’ the dogs.What’s the third thing you must see in February? Well, it’s nota ‘looker’ but our English opera star, the humble skylark. Isn’t itfantastic when skylarks begin their skyward ascent and scattertheir song over the earth in early spring? Once I have seen allthree I know the new year has really begun.If you would like to purchase photos from our wildlife features, visitwww.fotolincs.com54-55:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:35 Page 256 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYGRANTHAMBirthplace of many world-famouspeople, including the first female PrimeMinister Margaret Thatcher and Radio4 stalwart Nicholas Parsons, there reallymust be something in the water. SirIsaac Newton is immortalised in thecentre of the town on St Peter’s Hill forall to see and the shopping centreopposite bears his name. Our first female Prime Minister wasbrought up in the town. Her fatherbeing a grocer originally fromNorthamptonshire who married aLincolnshire girl. This lasting legacymeans Grantham is famous for havingbeen her birthplace. To walk around Grantham is to takein the relaxed atmosphere to be foundin many of Lincolnshire’s markettowns, but what you find is also an airof modernity bubbling underneath.With a direct line to London’s King’sCross, the town is popular with long-distance commuters. Having beenconnected to the east coast mainlinefor many years, the town has grown inthe last few decades. Grantham istherefore an extended town, but holdsmuch more charm than a simpledormitory town. It still maintains itsatmosphere of calm, the town’s charmlies not within its flashiness, but in areserved, quiet way of life. Brewing successNot known for any sort of businessin recent times, the town is slowlymaking its mark in an unusual way.The last few years have seen theemergence of cool for real ale andGrantham is home to several micro-breweries, though that term does themmuch disservice. The term ‘micro’suggests small, and while they may notbe taking on the world, their tastes andideas are big. As we recently reported, femalebrewers recently came together toproduce an ale. Headed by Sara Bartonfrom the town’s Brewster’s Brewery,Project Venus produced a light amberale with help from fellow Granthambrewer Kathy Britton of OldershawBrewery and five other female brewersfrom around the country. This showsnot only business ingenuity exists inthe town and is an impressive feat forthe brewing industry, but also thatGrantham can stake a claim to a uniquebusiness community. This also includesthe Newby Wyke brewery, who alsobrew locally at a site just outside thetown centre. All three have won awardsfrom SIBA, the Society of IndependentBrewers, which shows the promisethese businesses have. Oldershaw havejust started brewing a beer named aftera local landmark too, St Wulfrum’sSummit takes its name from the iconic,medieval-spired church in the town. Itis heartening to see breweries proudlyreflecting their local heritage.A walk on the wild side…Grantham lies within a wide regionof rolling countryside, as well as thewide open fields surrounding the town,there are plenty of things to get eventhe most reluctant couch potato to takea ramble. The River Witham winds itsway past the south of the town and themarshes that surround the area arehome to all sorts of wildlife. For thetwitchers and birders, Peregrine Falconshave made the area their home, thesemagnificent birds are both beautifuland graceful and should be an easyspot for those patient enough to golooking. Ponton Park Wood is also agreat place for nature lovers, not onlyoffering magnificent walks but alsooodles of wildlife. Equally, dragonfliesare known to be common around thearea and off towards the canal too.For those not into the natural side ofthings, there are still plenty ofattractions, not least a short driveaway the striking and historic BelvoirCastle. Technically in Leicestershire,but with a Grantham address, thestately home was built during theEnglish Civil War and has seen its fairshare of history. Built with varyingsizes of turrets and towers, it is strikingin its stature as well as appearance andis famous for a whole host of reasons. It was apparently where the idea of‘afternoon tea’ was first thought of bythe visiting Duchess of Bradford, AnnaMaria Russell. Hunger pangs betweenluncheon and the evening meal ledher to drink tea and eat cakes andsandwiches. It soon caught on andbecame a staple of middle and upperclass households. Belvoir Castle alsoappeared in the film version of The DaVinci Code, where it appeared asCastle Gandolfo, the Pope’s summerresidence. It is also famous for itsfireworks display every year as well as avenue for weddings and for fieldsports. A visit to its intriguing groundsis well worth it, but check the websiteat www.belvoircastle.com for details.The castle and gardens are actuallyshut until May, but you can be sure ofa treat if you visit in the summer.Grantham, and its surrounding areasthen, are begging to be explored. Ifthat’s not enough, Grantham hasclaimed to be the home of gingerbread,so see if you can track some down…A town to enjoyStraddling both the modern and the historic, Grantham is an anomaly for ourcounty, but one which should be treasured.56-57:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:36 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY57GRANTHAM56-57:Layout 1 20/1/12 15:36 Page 258 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONFashionable February is here and the look isromantic and contemporary as the first hintof spring arrives. Love is in the air thisValentine’s Day, so make sure you add atouch of glamour with these gorgeous outfitsfrom our favourite designers. Go on - bebold, flirty and fun this February!Love fashion!Love fashion!58-65 :Layout 1 20/1/12 14:31 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY59FASHIONBaslerBasler specialises in smart tailoring andelegant occasion wear, with a funky edge.This on trend style includes fabulous dresses– the perfect look for that all importantromantic date this month.58-65 :Layout 1 20/1/12 14:31 Page 2Next >