< Previous70 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGLincoln has always had a reputation forgreat food and drink, indeed a lot of venuesyou’ll see dotted around its peaceful streetswill be long-established names with a provenheritage for serving great food of all types.Take a look around five or ten years agohowever and the choice was a lot morelimited. These days, Lincolnites and visitors tothe city from across the county and beyondnow have more options than ever, and isn’tit great?The choice between traditional eateriesthat serve the best in home-cooked foodnow stand side by side with internationally-renowned brands and plucky independentsall offering mouth-watering meals andvenues that scream decadence, convenienceand all have a welcoming feel. Not only canyou grab food from around the county, butyou can also sample a whole host ofPHOTO: CRAFT BAR & KITCHENLincoln loves foodLincoln has become a mecca for foodies. Not only is the local produce high on the agenda, it’s alsothe city’s ever-increasing options for dining out.Quirky and unusual menus are leadingLincoln’s renewed and refreshed foodheritage. PHOTO: LINCOLNSHIRE RED070-072:Layout 1 11/4/14 12:12 Page 1FOOD & DININGLINCOLNSHIRETODAY71international cuisine, with Italian, Oriental, Greek, Turkish andmany more tempting cuisine available across the city, both in theplaces you’d expect it and tucked away on streets you’d not. Recently championed in the national press too are the city’sindependent delis and cafes. Indeed, Lincoln’s café culture isgrowing at a rate that could be described as staggering. With newplaces opening everywhere you look, the choice for where to takea load off and relax with a nice cup of coffee and a cake isbecoming such that you could probably try one a week and stillhave more to try more than a year later. Gone are the greasyspoons of old, in its place are clean, sleek and sophisticatedestablishments where to ask for a flat white won’t be met with anincredulous look, simply good service.For those after a good drink - we’re talking of the alcoholicvariety of course - the choice is similarly vast. Thanks to the influxof students over the last decade or so, there’s been an element ofbars and pubs catering to the beer-swilling student cliché.However, look past the usual suspects and there’s also student-friendly but open to all places that have emerged to cater forthose who pine for a classy atmosphere and something different.PHOTO: HOME, LINCOLNPHOTO: CARLUCCIOSPHOTO: THE WHITE HART, LINCOLNLarger, international restaurantbrands are now enteringLincoln’s fantastic food offeringContemporary and effortlesscool is still a reason peoplecome to eat in Lincoln. Lincoln’s cocktail bars havebecome essential stopping offpoints on nights out72 PHOTO: LOLA LO070-072:Layout 1 11/4/14 12:12 Page 2Cocktails are of course a key offering and there’s several places whichspecialise in these wild concoctions, with tropical and exotic flavoursavailable alongside more mature creations involving whisky, rum and vodkaserved in imaginative and fuss-free ways.If you’re fond of a drop of beer or cider too, there’s a fantastic duality ofchoice too. Traditional pubs in the city and indeed on the outskirts havecask and hand-pulled wonders from local breweries, but restaurants we’vefrequented search a bit further for tasty and new examples from furtherclimes. American craft beers and crisp, adventurous lagers from Europe areamong the stars we’ve found.The next time someone asks, ‘what’s there to eat in Lincoln these days?’you can answer them, the choicereally is yours.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.PictureYour VenueThe Mint LeafA46 Lincoln Road, Newark Tel: 01636 646994www.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 Leaf isaccessible from across Lincolnshire.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.To promote your servicescall Angie Cooper on 01472 310302or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk72 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGClassics are oftenbought up todate in Lincoln PHOTO: THE ELECTRIC RESTAURANT, LINCOLNPHOTO: HOME, LINCOLNPHOTO: HOME, LINCOLNPHOTO: HOME, LINCOLN070-072:Layout 1 11/4/14 12:13 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY73FOOD & DININGRecently re-opened by owners Robertand Sara, there is no sign of this being anew venture. Now ably run by their nieceIsabelle, the service and attention todetail gives off a seasoned andexperienced feel to proceedings,reflected in the delicious food on offertoo. Given the choice of dining in thecomfortable bar or the restaurant, we tookseats in a cosy restaurant, all rustic charmand food-oriented.As we pored over the menu, the twice-baked cheese soufflé with mushroom andspinach sauce immediately caught ourattention and indeed delivered on taste aswell as presentation, the creamy saucebeing an excellent accompaniment to thelight, fluffy soufflé. We also enjoyed a richand indulgent chicken liver parfait, servedwith onion jam and thin, crispy toast.The balsamic glaze that adorned theplate also made for an excellent kick ofextra flavour here.With a smattering of choices for themain course, we eventually selected adelightful slow-roasted pork belly withcrackling which came with oodles ofcreamy mash, a sweet and warm applesauce and a pork jus finishing it offperfectly. The crackling was satisfyinglyhard and had that crunch you often findsome chefs miss, full marks on that front.We also ordered a butternut squashand sage risotto which came with asubtle basil oil trickle and mascarpone tomake it a filling, warming treat. Theadded touch of a crispy parmesan wafermade for a great contrast too.Dessert can often be a chore in someplaces, not so at the Chequers, a whitechocolate, rhubarb and ginger trifle camewith an almond biscuit that impressedbefore we even took the first bite, andwhen we did the sweetness of thechocolate hit the sharpness of the gingerwith style, truly delicious. A lemoncheesecake served with a tumble ofraspberries also impressed, its delicateflavours being a nice, subtle end to afantastic meal.We advise you book at The Chequersas soon as possible. With food this goodit’s bound to fill up fast. The Chequers is on Cross Street, Potterhanworth, Lincoln, LN4 2DS. To book a table or to find out more, call 01522 790123 or visit www.chequerspotterhanworth.co.ukThe Chequers, PotterhanworthThe Chequers, a newly-reopened pub and restaurant in the quaint village of Potterhanworth, is simply adelight. From the red brick exterior to the welcoming bar, first impressions are of a country-style pub at theheart of a very pleasant area and when it came time to dine, this only continued.073:Layout 1 11/4/14 10:15 Page 1Having been a chef acrossthe world and locally, foodhas taken Miles further thanmost. Spending time inGermany and Switzerlandtraining, his journey hasbrought him back to thecounty. Growing up innearby Grimsby, he alwaysintended to return and take aposition in Lincoln. He says, “I’ve always lovedLincoln and to get the headchef position here wasfantastic. I got the job earlierin my career than I thoughtbut I feel I have developedand grown with thebusiness here as a whole.“It’s evolved over the years, both the staff wehave and the kitchen’s style and level of food. We’ve had twoRosettes for six years and we’ve had numerous accolades andawards but it’s not the awards that matter, it’s the people we’vetrained and the solid core of the business. We remain focused onour customers and cook for them. The food just has to be right.”FOOD & DININGStyle andpanacheStyle andpanacheMiles Collins, Executive Chef at Branston HallHotel, has years of experience within fine food.We pay him a visit to see what makes his foodworth travelling for.Branston Hall Hotel is on Lincoln Road, Branston LN4 1PD. To book a table or for more information, call 01522 793305 or log on to www.branstonhall.com074-075:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:10 Page 1producers, but our menus are soeclectic that we have to lookfurther away for someingredients. For example, we doa lot of oriental or Asian-inspireddishes.“However we are of courseseasonal. In Winter for examplewe go for a lot more rustic andsatisfying Italian styles. We’ll alsotake full advantage of shootingseason, with lots of gameappearing on the menu.“There’s still very much a marketfor traditional food, but we try andshow a level of care and research tomake us that little bit different.There’s no need to be bizarre orunusual when the food tastes thisgood and delivers on every level.”LINCOLNSHIRETODAY75FOOD & DININGSalmongravadlaxMiles says, “At Branston Hall, we like tomake our own gravadlax, a fresh salmon curedin a salt and sugar mixture flavoured with freshdill. Taken from the Scandinavian term for‘buried’ the dish originates from prerefrigeration days when the salmon would beburied in the ground to keep it cold during thecuring process.“Curing salmon is a fairly simple process; wekeep the flavouring to a minimum to allow theflavour of the fish to come through. You canadd other flavours if you wish, juniper berries,coriander seeds, lemon zest all complementone another so you can adapt this basic recipeas you wish.”Ingredients1⁄2cup salt1 cup white sugar2 tsps lightly crushed white peppercorns2 bunches of fresh dill herb roughly chopped2-3lb fresh salmon fillet, skinned andpinbonedMethodCombine the sugar, salt and pepper in abowl. Rub the mixture into both sides of thefish. Lay the salmon in a shallow dish andcover with the remaining mixture. Scatter overthe herbs. Cover with cling film and leave tocure in the refrigerator for up to thirty sixhours. The flesh should feel firm to the touch.Once cured, scrape the marinade off the fishand wash briefly in cold water. Lightly pat drybefore sprinkling with more finely chopped dill(optional) Slice thinly.Beetroot works well with any oily fish butparticularly salmon, we like to use differentvarieties and cooking methods to complimentthe dish such as oven dried crisps, pickled,roast or pureed flavoured with anise andcoriander. A good quality shop-bought pickledbeetroot will work equally well. Miles describes the food he serves assomething wholly different, yet eclectic.“I don’t follow food fads, but then againwe don’t rest on our laurels either. Youcan identify with our food but there maybe items on there that you mightquestion and therefore want toinvestigate.“People want value for money, youhave to be realistic in what you offer, butfashion seems to be going to thewayside. My influences are from back inthe day before TV chefs really camealong, but even now I’m focused onthose who might be out of the limelightwho are doing their own thing.”With the trend for local produce beingkey in many diners’ minds, Milesexplains his position on the matter, “Weactively look for local suppliers and“We actively look for local suppliers and producers, but ourmenus are so eclectic that we have to look further away forsome ingredients”074-075:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:10 Page 276 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSKEGNESSSkegness is obviously well known for its seasidereputation. The draw of the beach, tourist attractions andamusements is what you first think of whenever the townis mentioned. But beyond the streets of summer tourists,hustling and bustling, Skegness is also actually a fantasticplace to live. For those who might have overlooked thearea, a slower pace of life, combined with a generous areasurrounding the town that is simply stunning, there’s agrowing sense that Skegness is a great place to settle. On the edge of the wolds, the countryside that surroundsthe town is rolling and verdant and is cited as a majorreason people seek out homes in the area. The asking pricesfor homes in the area have risen over the past year, too, socould also prove a worthwhile investment.One fantastic attraction that people don’t consider isthe nearby Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve, which thanksto the sand dunes and salt marshes attract not only rarebirds, including the Bar-tailed Godwit, the Grey Plover andthe Red Knot, but also those keen on seeing them. Thebracing sea air, combined with the sense of space andfreedom is a real plus point to those who choose to makeEast Lindsey their home.For those who love nature, Natureland Skegness is alsoa fantastic example of the area’s unique charms. As well asrescuing and rehabilitating seals from the local shoreline,they have a collection of animals that are not so familiarto the Lincolnshire coastline, like penguins, tortoises andeven crocodiles.But it’s what Natureland’s Duncan Yeadon says thatsums up Skegness for us: “It’s one of those places thatchanges with the seasons, the variations of it being livelyin the summer and quiet and peaceful in the winter meanyou get a lovely contrast with the seasons.”Indeed, the town almost thrives on this duality. As life-long local resident and fashion boutique owner Tanya Hardysays, “It’s a friendly town, you really get to know everybodyand it’s so diverse, there’s something here for everyone.“It’s great because for example, I can sit in my gardenin the summer and if the wind is in the right direction Ican hear the hustle and bustle of the seafront and theexcitement from the fun fairs, but then the beaches aredesolate and beautiful in the winter. It’s changed a lotover the years, but it’s still a wonderful place to live.”As well as this, there’s a cultural heritage that Skegnesshas been fostering over the last decade. The SO Festival forexample is a rip-roaring event that takes over the townfrom 28th June to 6th July, transforming not only Skegness,but the whole of the coastal district of East Lindsey into aninternational arts venue with spectacular visual art, streettheatre, world-class performers and dance acts.This has also been echoed with the gastronomy on offertoo. Not every meal can be fish and chips of course and78 The SO Festival has been key inmaking Skegness more of a culturallandmark in recent years. Natureland Skegness not only hasattractions, but also rehabilitatesseals from the local coastlinebefore releasing them back into thewild.Oh we do like to bebeside the seaside!There’s nothing that says summer time more than a trip to one of our favourite coastaltowns. Skegness is a mix of tradition and family fun and still enjoys a fantastic reputation,but what is there for people beyond the jolly sea front?076-078:Layout 1 8/5/14 09:34 Page 1Dress Agency“making high end labels more accessible”In Stock Now: Joseph Ribkoff; Frank Lyman; Ted Baker; FrankWalder; Karen Millen; Olsen; Taifun & MoreLet us sell for you...Do you have designer pieces that you no longer wear, orsomething that you regret buying? If your wardrobe is burst-ing at the seams with dresses, trousers and blouses that justdon't do it for you anymore, can help you sell them, fora share of the final sale price. Items taken in on Thursdays.Please telephone for more informaonDownstairs at Orchid Bouque, 3 Rutland Rd, Skegness.Tel: 01754 763258Mon - Sat 9.30- 5pmLINCOLNSHIRETODAY77The Perfect Sunday LunchSunday Bar Carvery from £8.25Restaurant Carvery 2 course £11.95 &3 course £14.95Delicious food in gorgeous surroundingsLovely and local. our food, drinkand service are second to none.Come in, take a seat and see for yourself.....you won't be disappointed. With everything from relaxed eating in the Braid Bar, excellent 3 course menu's inJames' Restaurant to stunningCarvery's you will be sure to findthe right meal for the right occasion.To book, call 01754 763298.North Shore Road, Skegness PE25 1DNwww.northshorehotel.co.uk076-078:Layout 1 8/5/14 09:34 Page 278 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSKEGNESSthose seeking something à la carte orexotic can find something to whet theirappetite by exploring the town’s manylong and winding streets. There’s also theoption of cocktails and more artisanaldrinking venues too, thanks to the varietyof establishments on offer too. That’s thefantastic thing about the town, the optionto experience two sides of the coin. Onecould easily spend a day taking in theseaside glamour and traditional aspects,then the next experience a morereserved, relaxed experience.Contemporary meets tradition is howwe’d paint the town’s overall atmosphere.We recently took some time out to visitthe town and after a bracing walk on theseafront, we found ourselves at the farend of the beach near the Best WesternNorth Shore Hotel and Golf Course, aswell as a relaxing place to grab a drink,with a view of the sea stretching out infront of you, it’s also a great example of afantastic place to eat. With a smatteringof delicious meals to pick from, weactually visited on a Sunday and enjoyeda fantastic carvery, which even on a hotday went down incredibly well. Shopping in the area is also a wellworthy pastime, there’s independentshops scattered here and there awayfrom the main entertainment and tourismhotspots. It’s advisable to take a widerlook at what is on offer as there’s reallyplenty to explore.There’s a plethora of shops selling allmanner of styles but down at OrchidBoutique and its incorporated Hobo DressAgency. Owner Tanya Hardy has beenthere eighteen months offering somethingindividual and stylish for women in searchof something long-lasting and unique. Downstairs at Orchid, Tanya also runsthe Hobo Dress Agency. With customershaving come back to her with items theyno longer wear but still of a fantasticquality, she sells ‘pre-loved’ items sopeople can grab clothes that still haveloads of life left and customers can selltheir unwanted items for a 50/50 split!For those who want help gettingaround, after all there’s a lot to see, thenSunseeker Mobility could well help you.Owner Harry has run the business foraround six years and has a shop in thetown and one just down the road inIngoldmells. As well as sales and after-service, those who have trouble gettingaround can hire mobility scooters andother living aids on a daily or weekly rate,making the town a lot more accessible toenjoy for everyone!Far from being a place solely based oncheap thrills and holiday-makers in kissme quick hats, we’d argue Skegness hasa rich, alternative charm you can see inevidence all year round. The idea that thetown has a dual personality is one we feelcomfortable with. Next time you take adrive out to the quainter edge ofLincolnshire, why not stop by? There’smore to Skegness than you think.Skegness isslowly shakingoff its reputationfor being solely atouristdestination butstill does that instyle.SAVE£5.50LT1431.10.2014Fantasy IslandSea Lane, Ingoldmells01754 872898207 Roman Bank, Skegness01754 768006Winter Storage Only £75include a Service for only £25 extraScooters kept securely and charged weeklyService & RepairsWe have an up to date fully equipped ServiceCentre to help with any breakdowns or repairsWheelchairWheelchairScooterScooter£5.00per day£25.00per week£25 refundable Deposit£12.00per day£65.00per week£50 refundable Deposit076-078:Layout 1 8/5/14 09:34 Page 31stissues only £1Great reasonsto subscribe...Each issue is brimming with a diverse topic range...• Heritage • Fashion • Hair & Beauty • Leisure • Homes & Gardens • County Motoring • Dining Out • What’s On • Free Reader Giveaways and much much more…First 3 issues only £1!FREE delivery to your doorReceive your copy before it hits the shopsORDER FORMYes, I would like to subscribe to Lincolnshire Today magazinefor the next 12 months, with the first 3 issues only being £1.Personal Details:First name:Last Name:Address:Town:County: Post Code:Tel: Mobile:Email:Payment by DEBIT/CREDIT cardName as it appears on card:Type of card: Mastercard / Visa / Visa Debit / OtherCard Number:Card Verification number (3 digits on signature strip):Expiry Date:Amount Authorised:Cheque enclosed YES / NO Please post this form back to: Subscriptions,Lincolnshire Today Magazine, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby. 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