< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGRecently, the Government’s teamtasked with boosting business visited keysites in Lincolnshire as part of work toencourage inward investment in the foodsector.Food sector specialists from UK Tradeand Investment across the country weregiven a tour of major food producer QVFoods’ site and the National Centre forFood Manufacturing, both based inHolbeach, and a visit to a farm run byMoy Park.The idea was for UKTI to get a betterunderstanding of what the area offers tothe food industry. The information willnow be used to showcase to investors thepotential of doing business in GreaterLincolnshire.LEP board member Mark Tinsley,pictured, who works in the farmingindustry, hosted the visit. He says,“Greater Lincolnshire is home to almost aquarter of England’s grade oneagricultural land, grows an eighth of thenation’s food, and processes 70% of theUK’s fish, making it one of the key areasfor the UKTI team to highlight toinvestors.“Our food heritage is well established,contributing an estimated £1 billion tothe county’s economy and employingaround 35,000 people in agriculture orfood production. We look to continue togrow that sector with both existing andnew businesses.“We’re thrilled that we’re being given achance to demonstrate what GreaterLincolnshire has to offer.”CelebrationsBusinesses from all over the countyrecently came together to celebrate foodand farming in Lincolnshire. The Select Lincolnshire Food, Drink andHospitality Awards recognised andrewarded the people and businessesmaking a contribution to the county’svery best food and drink.Mark Dodds, Marketing Manager fromRoythornes and sponsor of Producer ofthe Year award, says, “This is an amazingevent which really shows the quality ofbusinesses we have in the region, inparticular in the food sector. “As a Lincolnshire firm, we work withmany food businesses and were delightedto be involved as sponsor of the Producerof The Year award. The work of Selectand the Chamber in promoting foodbusinesses goes a long way to helpingensure they remain a key part of theregion’s economy.”Councillor Colin Davie, ExecutiveMember for Economic Development atLincolnshire County Council, says, “Mycongratulations go to all the winners atOur green andfertile county!Lincolnshire is often referred to the country’s larder. With fantasticallyfertile soil and the food produced being of incredible quality andquantity, at the moment we’re getting the recognition we deserve!PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/NADEZDA VERBENKO060-062:Layout 1 17/3/14 09:20 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY61FOOD & DININGLincolnshire beef burgersSt Botolph’s apple juiceGadsby’s breadWith over 100 local products stocked in our food stores, it’s never been easier to buy and love local... Lincolnshire sausagesAward winningTry something localthis SpringBorn and reared in Lincolnshire... LocalLincolnshireQuality Beef, Lamb and Porkthis year’s Select Lincolnshire Awards. We thinkLincolnshire’s food and drink is worth shoutingabout, and these awards are an important wayof celebrating the best the county has to offer.And we’ll continue to do all we can to spreadthe message far and wide, strengthening ourreputation as one of the UK’s top food spots.” Recognising this fact is not only key toencouraging local food producers to keep ongrowing and creating, but also gives us a shopwindow to the wider market, which is great forall things foodie in Lincolnshire!Grow your own!If you’ve got a taste for growing your ownfood, and with soil as good as we’ve got in thecounty, why wouldn’t you? The LincolnshireMaster Gardeners programme is looking forvolunteers in Gainsborough, Boston, Spilsby andSkegness to help others to do precisely that.62 PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JOHAN LARSON060-062:Layout 1 17/3/14 09:20 Page 262 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGPictureYour VenueThe China RoyalRestaurant6 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 areideal for the most romantic dinner or the largest banquet.Serving the best in Chinese cuisine, it has five star scores on the doors, and is openthroughout all Bank Holidays. Mother’s Day table bookings are being taken.The WoolpackRiverhead Road, Louth Tel: 01507 606568www.woolpacklouth.co.uk twitter.com/woolpacklouthThe Woolpack offers fresh home cooked food, six realales, a great beer garden and plenty of parking. Open allday every day, food is served 12-9 Monday to Saturdaywith a carvery on Sunday 12-3.The Woolpack is an eight minute walk from Louth HighStreet, a two minute walk from the Riverhead Theatre and across the road from theNavigational Trust with lovely walks along the canal. Find them on Facebook and Twitter.Exotic Thai Restaurant205 High Street, ScunthorpeTel: 01724 843204Exotic Thai Restaurant is a testament to traditional Thaicuisine. The only Thai restaurant in Scunthorpe, Exotic Thaican accommodate up to seventy guests for a delicious choiceof authentic starters, main courses and an impressiveselection of fish dishes along with a choice of tasty desserts.The Exotic Thai prides itself on authentic Thai cuisine with friendly service, giving a truetaste of the east.Valerie’s Italian24 Kingsway, CleethorpesTel: 01472 235556 www.valeriesitalian.co.ukThe award-winning Valerie’s is passionate about serviceand the quality of its food, using only the best authenticproduce. It is their aim to make your visit a happyexperience where excellent value is always guaranteed.It’s a great venue to celebrate in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, specialising in topclass Italian food. To find out about the latest menu, visit www.valeriesitalian.co.uk or givethem a call.The Waggon and HorsesSouth Reston, Louth Tel: 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 hasalso been awarded an excellent rating for food hygiene. Whether for business or pleasure, atrip to the Waggon and Horses is not to be ignored.The Bluebell InnMain Street, Belchford, HorncastleTel: 01507 533602 www.bluebell-inn.comThe Blue Bell Inn is a pub/restaurant situated on theViking Way between Horncastle and Louth. It has anexcellent reputation for fine food, good wine and friendlyservice. It offers an a la carte menu and fresh localingredients.Now open seven days a week, Monday to Saturday11.30am to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 11pm, Sunday noon to 10.30pm.The Mint LeafA46 Lincoln Road, NewarkTel: 01636 646994 www.mintleafuk.co.ukThe Mint Leaf, located just off the A46, is a fine example of stylishpan-Asian cuisine. Cuisine from the Indian subcontinent is served withpanache. With the best tastes of India combined with a hint of the Orientand elements of the West, it’s a must-visit dining experience.Comfortable catering for both large and small parties, The Mint Leafis accessible from across Lincolnshire.Opening TimesMonday 10.30am - 3pmTuesday 10.30am - 4pmWednesday & Thursday 10.30am - 4pm & 6pm - 11pmFriday & Saturday 10.30am - 4pm & 6.30pm - 11pmSunday 10.30am - 4pmCogglesford MillCottage Restaurant & Coffee ShopEast Road, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7EQCall: 01529 309409www.cogglesfordmillsleaford.co.ukRising food prices and the desire for a healthy diet are just tworeasons why more people than ever are interested in growingtheir own food, but many need a helping hand to get started.There are already 74 volunteers enrolled as Master Gardeners,supporting over 700 people in their communities to get growing.In exchange for just thirty minutes of their time per week, thevolunteers have twelve months of training, a year’s freemembership to Garden Organic and access to a large localnetwork of fellow food growers. Expenses are covered too.Rick Aron, Lincolnshire Master Gardener co-ordinator, says, “Iam looking for people with ideally two or more years growingexperience together with a passion for encouraging others tostart growing. Volunteers will be trained and given a MasterGardener manual. There’s also support from an interactivewebsite, the existing network of Lincolnshire Master Gardenersand myself.”The programme, funded by Lincolnshire Country Council PublicHealth and managed by Garden Organic, is particularly looking forvolunteers in Gainsborough, Boston, Spilsby and Skegness.Find out more by calling Rick Aron on 07584 474779 toarrange an informal interview. An induction weekend is takingplace on 5th and 6th of April, when new volunteers can get toknow the role, have horticultural training and network. Whocould resist?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’ll find warmhospitality at the Country Kitchen and Lodge. It offers four star,silver awarded accommodation, having won a TripAdvisor award of excellence for 2014The Lodge has five double rooms, all of which are en-suite and on the ground floor.Additionally they can provide accommodation for guests requiring a room with dedicatedfacilities for the disabled.060-062:Layout 1 17/3/14 09:20 Page 3TheChequersSelf-contained function suite Array of homemade, freshly cooked food Good cask ales and wines always availableCross Street, Potterhanworth, Lincoln LN4 2DSTelephone: 01522 790123chequers-pub@btconnect.comwww.chequerspotterhanworth.co.ukOpening April 2014Robert & Sara welcome you063:Layout 1 17/3/14 09:01 Page 1Having been at the Hilton just six months so far, Rickyhas brought a raft of experience to the ElectricRestaurant’s already impressive and enthusiastic team.Having cooked for a huge variety of concerns previouslyincluding the House of Commons, the Park Lane Hotel inLondon and even cruise ships, he also has local experiencetoo, having owned and run the former Strait Brasserie inuphill Lincoln and creating large banquets and functions atthe Golf Hotel, Woodhall Spa.What Ricky likes about cooking at the Electric is the sheervariety that comes with such a diverse venue. “We can bepreparing lunches midweek, to a conference, then things like therecent second birthday party we had for the hotel recently wherewe had guests enjoying canapés and smaller dishes. Cooking forsomewhere that simply concentrates on banqueting, for example,means you end up going through the motions automatically, so tohave this amount of change is great.”Ricky even suggests that cooking for private dining for aroundfour people can sometimes be more challenging than cooking forup to 800 diners as he has previously. “The attention to detail iswhat’s interesting. If I was cooking at home for four, I’d makeenough in order to feed much more than that, it’s cooking on adifferent level.”Having cooked all over the country and beyond, it’s interestingFOOD & DININGExperiencecountsExperiencecountsThe DoubleTree by Hilton in Lincoln is rightlyfamed for its dining options. With menusfeaturing a host of tempting and deliciousdishes, we pay a visit to sous chef RickyShucksmith to find out what goes on behindthe scenes.064-065:Layout 1 14/3/14 14:06 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY65FOOD & DININGto note that Ricky’s early influencescame from television chefs. “As a kid, I reallyliked Keith Floyd’s shows, I thought he wasfantastic. I’ve not taken to many recent TVchefs, but to see Anthony Bourdain appearingon shows is great, I’m a fan of his books likeKitchen Confidential.”But it’s perhaps his variation of roles in theindustry that have taught him the most, as hesays: “My last boss in London, CharlieMcVeigh was a great influence, not only inBouillabaisse Fish StewServes 82 white onions2 star anise1 sliced fennel1 chopped chilli4 cloves garlicKnob butter250ml white wine1 large tin chopped tomatoes250ml tomato juiceLarge pinch sugar900g high quality fish bones or White fish such as haddock or solehigh quality fish stockMethodAdd onion, fennel, garlic, chilli and star anise to a pan with butter and sweat down for tenminutes. Add white wine to tomato juice and cook for a further 15 minutes. Add fish white bones orstock and reduce heat, simmering for 15 minutes. Strain and blitz in food processor and pass through a fine sieve. Cook fish fillet, king prawns and mussels in the soup base until tender and finish withchopped coriander to serve.The Electric Bar and Restaurant is on the top floor of the Doubltree By Hilton, Brayford Wharf North, Lincoln, LN1 1YW. To book a table or to find out more, visit www.electricbarandrestaurant.co.uk or call 01522 565180.terms of cooking, but business style too. Heowns a series of pubs and restaurants acrossLondon and it really inspired me. “Every chef I’ve worked with has taught mesomething though and at the Electric, Philteaches me a lot and vice versa, I always saythat if you’ve stopped learning, then it’s timeto stop cooking. In fact as well as stilllearning, I’m reminding myself of techniquesand methods I learned years ago.”064-065:Layout 1 14/3/14 14:06 Page 266 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGNot every place providing a carveryhas the views and splendour of the NorthShore, though. Visit on any given Sundayand you’ll be greeted not only with abuzzing and welcoming atmosphere, butthat familiar homely aroma of the goodold British Sunday lunch.We arrived on one of the most pleasantdays we’ve had in a while and couldn’twait to sample what the North Shore hadto offer. Diners are welcomed into theopulent, light and airy dining room andgiven the option of a starter, carvery anddessert, or a combination of the three.With prices a very reasonable £14.95 forthree courses or just £11.95 for two, theoption to indulge is not only tempting,it’s affordable too.We opted for a starter of homemadeduck and black cherry pate with toastedfruit bread with a port reduction. This wasa perfect combination of sweet, plumpcherries and a creamy, savoury pate thatwent perfectly with the warmed andindulgent bread. Extra bread served withthe dish was an appreciated gesture too.For the carvery, a choice of roasttopside of beef, a turkey crown and abaked honey and mustard ham all lookedtempting. We were given a succulent sliceof each, meaning we could sample thetastes on offer. All three meats werepacked full of flavour and the generousportions did much to serve our voraciousappetite. Accompanied by a medley offresh vegetables, which are refreshed on aregular basis at the serving area, it madefor a heaving plate of food. Couple thiswith the fluffy and crispy homemadeYorkshire puddings and gravy andyou have a Sunday lunch to writehome about.Many will be satisfied with thecarvery alone, being as generous asit is, but the option of dessert is always atempting one. There’s an excellentchoice, including a Warm Eve’s Puddingwith brandy custard and a chocolate andcream éclair with black cherry compote.However we opted for a lemon andraspberry verrine, which was posset-likeand came with a crunchy and deliciouslime caramel wedge and meringue. Itwas a refreshing and zesty way to top offa memorable meal.Based as it is within a stone’s throw ofthe golden sands in Skegness, a walkalong the beach afterwards was a perfectway to spend a Sunday afternoon andwe’d urge you to do the same, especiallywith the weather picking up!North Shore Hotel &Golf Club, SkegnessSunday is the day to relax, to get up late, laze around and to takethings easy. That’s the way it’s always been, right? Often, you wantsomeone else to take responsibility for the traditional Sunday roastand frankly there’s a fantastic amount of choice on offer in the county. Best Western North Shore Hotel & Golf Club is on North Shore Road, Skegness, PE25 1DN. To find out more or to book a table, call 01754 763298 or visit www.northshorehotel.co.uk066:Layout 1 14/3/14 12:15 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY67FOOD & DININGThe accent on informality at LaFoundouk has ensured it’s one ofLincolnshire’s hidden gems. Based at therear of the family home of proprietorSharon Moore, the assuming exterior onBrickyard gives way to a beautifullydecorated outbuilding – an absolutelydelightful setting. It features a comfortablelounge and a dining area that seats up toten guests – but as the weather getswarmer it’s not unusual for diners to takethe opportunity to dine outside.La Foundouk has become renownedfor its fabulous Moroccan cuisine – and ahuge range of taste and flavourexperiences are on the menu. If youenjoy Thai or Indian food then you’rebound to find something that’ll appeal –and the Moroccan Feast, for example, isa great way to sample a wide range ofdishes. Don’t worry about sharing – therelaxed atmosphere more or lessencourages it.Something brand new at La Foundoukthis year, though, is a Moroccanafternoon tea – which will be absolutelyfabulous during the summer months.Sharon will be serving such delights asorange and sultana scones, Marrakeshkisses and chicken tahini and babyspinach sandwiches from lunchtimeonwards and, served in the lovely gardenwith a warm welcome from Sharon andher team, it promises to deliver afantastic summery atmosphere. We can’tthink of a nicer way to spend a fewhours! Moroccan afternoon tea at LaFoundouk will be £12 per person but, asthe size of the venue suggests, it must bebooked in advance.There are no set days or times theafternoon tea menu will be served,because as with the rest of the dining atLa Foundouk it’s fairly flexible. Usually theLa FoundoukThere can be little more appealing at this time of year than a relaxingafternoon with good company and great food in a beautiful setting –and La Foundouk in Great Limber delivers that in spades.restaurant is open on Friday and Saturdayevenings, but it’s not unusual for parties tobook the whole restaurant for an evening.Call Sharon and she should be able toarrange a time, and a menu, to suit.And if you enjoy the food, why notlearn to cook it at home? Sharon hostsregular cookery workshops at LaFoundouk, where over the course of anevening you can make – and taste – somefantastic recipes! The next workshops areplanned for Thursday 13th May andThursday 10th and 17th June. It all addsto the wonderful atmosphere at LaFoundouk.La Foundouk is at 15 Brickyard, Great Limber – on the A18 between Brigg and Grimsby –and to book, call 07749 497888 or visit www.lafoundoukuk.com.067:Layout 1 14/3/14 12:16 Page 168 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHOTEL REVIEWSan Pietro has been acclaimed for itsfantastic Italian cuisine, which has seen itwin a place in the Michelin Red Guide.With the addition of fourteen fantasticbedrooms, you can now relax after yourmeal in comfort, while the new licencedfunction room means the venue can caterfor anything up to 120 people.Owner Michelle Catalano tells us, “It’ssomething we’ve been planning formany years, but with the tenthanniversary we thought it was theperfect time to go for it. We’ve beenhosting weddings and functions formany years but this now gives us moreflexibility and the chance to dosomething more informal.“We don’t think the boutiqueexperience has been offered elsewhere inScunthorpe, where people are looking forsomewhere nice to get married andcorporate customers are looking toentertain guests. We’re only ten minutes’walk from the station, close to themotorways and near some ofLincolnshire’s biggest businesses, so it’sreally convenient.”Certainly the fourteen rooms that SanPietro offer provide something veryspecial. There are no standard rooms –instead they offer Wonderful Rooms,Fabulous Rooms, Spectacular Suites andthe gorgeous Illuminata Suite. No matterwhich you choose you are guaranteedluxury and style. The design iscontemporary and Michelle and the teamhave ingeniously split the rooms intothree areas – with a vanity area separatefrom the bedrooms and bathrooms, soyou can prepare for your evening! Thismeans even the rooms feel like suites.As with the food at the restaurant, SanPietro have sourced much of thefurnishing from local suppliers, includingChenez and Porcelanosa, as well ascommissioning local artists andphotographers. The beds are of thestandard you’ll find in a five star hoteland the bathrooms are stocked withluxurious REN products.Despite the sense of style and luxury,however, the price remains affordable.Bed and breakfast is available from £99per night, while a couple could also enjoydinner, bed and breakfast from £149. Ifyou want to make it a really specialoccasion, enjoy the Saturday nightRomance Package in the Spectacular andIlluminata Suites, including a la cartedining, from £225.And in addition to all this luxury, therestaurant at San Pietro continues to offersome of the finest dining in the county!San Pietro is on High Street East, Scunthorpe, and for more information, or to book,call 01724 277774 or visit www.sanpietro.uk.com.San PietroSan Pietro, the restaurant in the windmill, has been a familiar sight and a hugely popular destination inScunthorpe for some ten years. Now the fine dining has been supplemented by some of the most attractiveaccommodation in the region with the launch of their boutique hotel.068:Layout 1 14/3/14 13:52 Page 1GolfFishingCyclingWhat’s OnSPRINGat last!PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/FOTOHUNTERLincolnshire springs into life!It wasn’t so much the cold that stopped us getting out and enjoying the best ofLincolnshire during the winter, but the endless wind and rain! Now we’ve all dried out,though, there’s plenty to enjoy in the county over the next few months.Over the next few pages we’ve got your ultimate guide to making the most ofLincolnshire, whether you’re looking to entertain the kids during the Easter holidays orwishing to get away from it all. We’ve got news of some special events, a closer look atsome of the region’s most fantastic venues and loads of inspiration to make the mostof some of the UK’s most spectacular surroundings!069:Layout 1 14/3/14 12:17 Page 1Next >