< Previous40 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGTheQueens HeadThe Queen’s Head in North KelseyMoor has been a popular venue formany years and now under themanagement of Vida Carter it looksset to welcome even more people tothis quintessential Lincolnshire puband restaurant. Everyone is guaranteedthe warmest of welcomes and the cosyand intimate atmosphere is apparentfrom the moment you walk throughthe door.The Queen’s Head takes veryseriously its position at the heart ofthe community, with their foodfreshly prepared daily with producesourced locally wherever possible. Theethos is on good quality food at veryreasonable prices, with daily specialsmaking the best use of localingredients and a host of special offersthroughout the week – including thetraditional Friday fish night.We were fortunate enough to enjoya fabulous evening at The Queen’sHead recently. We took our choicesfrom the full menu which is servedbetween noon and 2pm and 5pm and9pm Mondays to Saturdays, whichoffers something to suit every taste.For the starters, I chose the wildmushrooms served on a toastedbrioche, while my companion wentfor the black pudding, served with atomato salsa and apple puree. These dishes illustrate the widerange on the menu, which specialisesin traditional British produce with atwist.As we attended on Friday, wecouldn’t resist opting for the beerbattered fish and chips, served, ofcourse, with mushy peas and lots ofbread and butter. Served in largeportions, we’ve not enjoyed fish andchips so much in ages. If you want toopt for something else, though, there’splenty to choose from elsewhere onthe menu, with local produce a toppriority – whether you fancyLincolnshire sausages or a deliciouschicken curry. We made room for thedessert, sharing an orange cheesecakewhich put the top hat on a fabulousmeal.If you’re after something a littlelighter, the lunchtime menu is servedbetween noon and 2pm Tuesday toSunday, offering a wide selection ofdishes to suit all tastes and pockets,and again making great use of localproduce. A fabulous carvery is alsoserved on Thursday lunchtime and, astradition dictates, on Sundays fromnoon to 6pm.Many people visiting the area decideto use The Queen’s Head as a base forthem to explore, and five attractive ensuite rooms are available to thosewishing to stay the night. In addition,the venue is able to cater for functionswith the team able to ensure your bignight goes with a bang. The Queen’sHead really does offer all you’d wantfrom a venue in the heart ofLincolnshire.The Queen’s Head is on Station Road, North Kelsey Moor and for moreinformation, or to book, call 01652 678055. TheQueens Head040:Layout 1 11/5/12 10:08 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY41FOOD & DININGLocated within the well-stocked andbeautiful Crowders Garden Centre justoutside Horncastle, The Redwood is anewly-completed paean to fine dining.We were taken aback at how pleasantthe surroundings were, with a modern,sleek design, the restaurant has a light,airy feel with a relaxed atmosphereand a tempting and varied menu tomatch.Natural light pours through thewindows and the décor is modern, butsmart and the staff are both attentiveand friendly, being given two kinds ofhomemade bread to begin with set thestandard for the meal to follow. Anutty, brown bread sat alongside aherb-infused focaccia and both weresimply divine. Still warm from theoven and served on a rustic woodenboard, we were impressed with thequality of the food immediately.For starters, we opted for a sautéedmackerel fillet and fish cake whichcame with crushed peas and a slow-roasted tomato salad. We also ordereda rich, luxurious chicken liver parfaitwith a generous portion of toastedbrioche and a smattering of plum andrhubarb relish, the chef’s sourcing oflocal ingredients shone through. Themackerel fillet was warm and seasonedto perfection, while the parfait had acreamy, smooth texture whichperfectly chimed with the tartness ofthe rhubarb and plum of the relish.For the main courses, I chose atempting rack of lamb with anindividual lamb moussaka, served withharrisa paste and my partner selected aspicy Moroccan meatball dish with atomato and pepronata sauce, servedwith light, fluffy couscous. The lambwas delicious, falling off the bone andwithin the moussaka, even moretender, with aubergine providing asucculent contrast to the rich meat.The meatballs were juicy, flavoursomeand offset by the rich, scorched skin ofthe tomatoes in the sauce and thecouscous was the perfectaccompaniment, light and delicately-flavoured.The desserts on offer all soundedincredible and knowing the standardof the courses so far, we wereexpecting the same again. We were not let down, with mylemon posset with berries and afreshly-baked shortbread being a realtreat. An apple and rhubarb almond-topped crumble finished of mypartner’s meal well too, being as itwas, simply delicious. Thepresentation was second to none, andserved with care by the courteouswaiting staff.The Redwood is open for lunches,Sunday lunches and evening service,visit this gem of a restaurant nowbefore everybody discovers it, you’ll beglad you did.The Redwood is located at Crowders Garden Centre, Lincoln Road, Horncastle, LN9 5LZ.To book a table, call 01507 528628 or email theredwood@crowders.co.ukThe Redwood,Crowders Garden Centre, Horncastle041:Layout 1 11/5/12 12:27 Page 142 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGThe Electric Bar and Restaurant,Double Tree by Hilton, LincolnLincoln’s newest hotel has been opensince late last year, nestled on the side ofthe city’s Brayford Pool, it is a crisp,modern affair. Its glass-dominatedstructure is built on the site of theformer electric works and retains theoriginal works’ threshold within thehotel reception. This sense of history iscontinued on the hotel’s top floor, at theElectric Bar and Restaurant. Withcommanding views of the city,Cathedral and Brayford Pool, it seemslike the perfect place to get betteracquainted with the city.The restaurant has only been open afew months, but given the standard ofservice and food, you’d think they hadbeen serving diners for years. We sat atan opulent window seat, able to see theCathedral while we enjoyed our first fewdrinks. Opting for a tasting menu, mydining partner and I ate, no, consumed,no, devoureda seven-course meal thatwas simply out of this world. Startingwith an amuse bouche of a single bonbon of blue cheese, served with a smearof pear puree and small chips of walnut,the bon bon exuded the strongestflavours we have ever experienced fromcheese, not overpowering, simply wilfuland delicious. This was followed by a starter of hamhock, a quail’s egg scotch egg and aspicy and sharp pineapple salsa. Theham hock was succulent, packed withflavour and its salty flavour was offset bythe tang of the pineapple and its chilli-like kick. The scotch egg was made fromblack pudding, with the quail’s egg fullof yolk which made for an indulgentmoment.This was followed by another startingcourse that consisted of salmon and crabpacked into the flower of a courgette,having never had this before, we wereboth impressed at the inventiveconstruction of the dish, whichharboured not only the flavours of thefish and crab, but also had a freshelement thanks to the courgette andaccompanying lemon flavours.The main course was a generous breastof duck with carrot and orange, citruslentils and a caramelised endive withroasting juices and shallots. The sheerrange of flavours on one plate could wellbe seen as too many, but each kept itsown taste and complemented the other.The endive soaked by the roasting juicesgave its aniseed-like taste a more savouryflair and the duck was free of grease andfat which can often ruin a difficult meatto cook. The shallot was sweet anddelicious and the lentils added someadded texture to a varied platter.Then served with a pre-dessert oflemon posset, we were impressed withits freshness, only further affirmed bythe sherbert-like sugar served alongsidewith dried raspberry. To finish, we had asumptuous and luxurious take on theold dessert staple Black Forest Gateaux.This really consisted of a brownie, freshberries, a frozen berry yoghurt, squaresof jelly and a ring of dark chocolate thatprovided some real contrasts in textureand flavour.Take that elevator to the top of thehotel right now, you won’t regret it, wepromise.The Electric Bar and Restaurant is located at the Double Tree by Hilton, onBrayford Wharf North, Lincoln. To make a reservation, call 01522 565182 or logon to www.electricbarandrestaurant.co.uk042:Layout 1 11/5/12 10:05 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY43FOOD & DININGKnown affectionately as The Splash,The Royal Oak in Little Cawthorpe isone of our favourites, so it was withrelish that we went to see what theircurrent menu had to offer.On arrival, we dove right into themenu, opting for a homemade appleand tomato soup served with a crustybread roll and butter, which was aluxurious take on the traditionaltomato soup recipe, both warming andfilling. My dining partner went for ahomemade parsnip pancake filled withbrie, which was drizzled with honeyand a hot, whole grain mustarddressing.For our main course we couldn’twait to tuck into our Splashhomemade rich beef lasagne withchips and salad and a rather indulgent8oz sirloin steak served with a grilledtomato, onion rings, mushrooms,chips and salad. The lasagne was richand creamy, the cheese topping thedish being particularly flavoursome.The steak we found, was cooked toperfection, the juices complimentingsome fresh leaves and some hot, crispychips. So many places make theirchips with so little care these days, it’srefreshing to come across a place thattakes pride in the humble potato. Thechip, particularly in its very Britishthick-cut style is an institution that weshould be proud of. At The Splash,they know their chips, as it were.After this we decided to push theboat out and order some treats in theform of the Splash’s excellent desserts.We opted for a sweet and stickyBanoffee pie with vanilla ice creamwhich proved to be one of the bestwe’ve ever had, not sickly, notoverwhelming, it used the naturalsweetness of the banana to subtlyinfluence the feel of the dish. Mydining partner had plumped for awarm chocolate brownie, drowned inchocolate ice cream and a richchocolate sauce. For the chocoholic,this was simply perfection.The Royal Oak is a very cosytraditional country pub with awelcoming open log fire burning forwhen the typical British summertimefails to deliver.The Splash offers two restaurantswith beamed ceilings and aconservatory with exposed roof beamscomplete with a corner bar, offeringSunday carvery lunches and the abilityto cater for a wide range of functions,it’s a place to hold in high regard.With its beautiful lawned gardens andford-side location, could you think ofa better place to visit?The Royal Oak (Splash) is located on Watery Lane, Little Cawthorpe, near Louth, LN11 8LZ.To make a reservation, call 01507 600750.The Royal Oak (The Splash),Little Cawthorpe043:Layout 1 11/5/12 12:27 Page 144 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGFrankie and Benny’s, LincolnIf you want a good family meal or are celebrating a special occasion inLincoln, we at Lincolnshire Today may well have found your perfectlocation. Frankie and Benny’s has been a Lincoln mainstay for years, buthas recently undergone an incredible makeover. Refurbishment work hasmeant more diners can now enjoy the American-diner via Italian homecooking-style experience as well as making the place look inviting andclassy too.We visited during the day in the week and found plenty of peopleenjoying a meal in relaxing and welcoming surroundings. Being locatedjust off the A46 in Lincoln means it’s amazingly accessible for everyone,whether coming from Newark or the city itself.We were hungry and were not let down, Frankie and Benny’s is a placekeen on portions, from the opening serving of dough balls and a garlic dipto welcome us, we felt right at home. Sampling starters from across themenu, we picked meatballs in a fresh tasting neopolitina sauce, and somedelicious bruschetta with homemade salsa and a balsamic vinegar glaze.We plumped for a varied selection of mains next, being served a 16ozrump steak, a new addition to the menu, was a real treat, its trio ofmushrooms and the American-style mustard on the side made it that bitmore special. We also tried the chicken Caesar salad, which comes withwhite anchovies. This is a bold move, infusing the traditional salad dishwith a salty, seafood feel that offsets the creamy chicken and saladdressing perfectly. My dining partner went for a chicken, bacon and saladwrap with fries and polished it off with no hesitation. With freshingredients being used as standard, it stands out as a tasty place to getyour appetite sated. We also shared a calzone, which in typical Frankieand Benny style is no normal calzone, with cheese baked into the crust forthat extra bit of taste. It works as this part is delicious, as are the hunks ofpepperoni nestling inside. All main courses from 11am to 5pm are just£5.95, which offers great value, with food as delicious as this, who couldresist?Desserts are something the restaurant does particularly well. From theclassic and fruit-infused Eton Mess Sundae, to the gigantic sharing dessertthat is the Godfather. This god of all puddings contained brownies,chocolate covered malt balls, cream, toffee sauce, chocolate sauce, icecream and much more and was a real belly buster. We also sampled theBanoffee Waffle, a warmed waffle complete with ice cream, banana chunksand hot toffee sauce. If reading about this whets your appetite, it’s simple,you know where to go! A bonus to all this is free refills on drinks, buy oneand you are free to drink as much as you like.Lincoln’s branch also have exclusive bespoke offers, if it’s your birthday,you dine free, surely a bonus for any lucky birthday girl or boy. Childrenare also catered for, with free balloons for when they arrive, to activities tokeep them occupied at the table, they also eat free from 3pm to 6pm on aweekday for every adult meal purchased. Remember that Frankie andBenny’s is also open from 9am, with a tempting and filling breakfastavailable for just £5.Frankie and Benny’s is located at Runcorn Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QP. To book atable, call 01522 692807 or log on to www.frankieandbennys.com.044:Layout 1 14/5/12 09:07 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY45FOOD & DININGThe Maltings Bistro, situated onGainsborough's Lea Road is a uniquedining experience, in a novel move,they get you to do your own cooking.But don’t worry, they won’t be makingyou strap on a pinny and a chef’s hat,this is the Black Rock diningexperience.Providing diners with a super-heatedslab of volcanic rock at their tables,the freshly-prepared ingredients can becooked to your precise tastes. Fired upto an impressive 440 degreescentigrade, it not only looks great butcooks food to perfection.For our volcanic cooking experience,we opted for an 8oz rump steak,served with mushrooms, salad andnew potatoes and a vegetarian optionof Portobello mushrooms stuffed withhalloumi cheese, topped with pinenuts and served with warm ciabatta.The portion sizes were fantastic andwith a leisurely 45 minutes before thedark stones cool down, there is nopressure to rush your meal. Halfwaythrough, we are already discussingcoming back, the fresh vegetables andtop quality ingredients mean adelicious, melt-in-the-mouth culinaryjourney.Dessert is of a similarly high quality,with myself and my partner opting forthe indulgent-sounding doublechocolate fudge cake with vanilla icecream and a deep-filled apple pierespectively. We couldn’t be moreimpressed, the sweets are moreish andare the perfect end to an amazingmeal.Surroundings are plush, black tablesare evenly spaced in a great diningroom with a modern, contemporaryfeel, the chic arched windowsproviding natural light in the day andlooking great at night. You really dowalk away with an enthusiastic feelingfor the place, the atmosphere and theexperience as a whole is genuinelyfantastic.Whether you are coming to watchthe sun go down on the cool, airyterrace and balcony with a glass ofwine, or to indulge in the unique andfun Black Rock experience, this is oneof the most fabulous eateries you canencounter. This could well be theperfect place to hold a weddingreception too, with its luxurioussurroundings and contemporaryfunction room, it is the kind of placethat will leave an impression for yearsto come for all the right reasons.The Maltings Bistro is located on Lea Road, Gainsborough, DN21 1LW. To book a table, call 01427 610037.The Maltings BistroSet over threefloors, TheMaltings seems tohave it all, greatfood, a stylish barand a terrace towhile away theevening...045:Layout 1 11/5/12 10:09 Page 1Louth Golf ClubCrowtree Lane, Louth Tel: 01507 603681www.louthgolfclub.comThere is something for everyone at Louth Golf Club,whether you’re looking for competitive golf, a socialgame on a well-groomed course, or just want to be partof the social scene enjoying good quality food atfantastic prices. The Fore Seasons Restaurant is open tothe public, so come and take advantage of the GrillNight, offering two meals for just £15, or the Sunday Carvery at £6.95.The King’s Head InnMill Road, Theddlethorpe Tel: 01507 339798www.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 also find at least three real ales ontap. Also available are bespoke wedding functions.Newly refurbished restaurant and new menus now available for 2012!46 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYYOUR VENUETo promote your services call Helen Newton on 01472 310302or email: h.newton@blmgroup.co.ukpictureLord Nelson HotelMarket Place, Brigg Tel: 01652 652127www.lordnelsonhotelbrigg.co.ukThe Lord Nelson is an independent hotel owned by theOld Mill Brewery, located in the centre of historic Brigg.A warm welcome awaits you in the comfortable andfriendly pub bar, with its stunning fireplace and intimatecorners where relaxation and enjoyment come naturally. There are traditional, vegetarian, fish,grill, Thai and Oriental menus with two meals for £8 available seven days a week. There isalso en-suite accommodation.Merrimans Restaurant and BarGreat Fen Road, Wyberton Fen, BostonTel: 01205 362378Merrimans is based in a unique timber framed buildinglocated on the outskirts of Boston, where all food is freshlyprepared in the restaurant kitchen, using only locally sourcedingredients. As well as the À la Carte and char-grill menu, thereare also early bird, lunch and children's menus.Merrimans can provide the very best in business buffetlunches as well as catering for charity functions and special occasions.People from all over the UK, and evenfurther afield, will be descending onLincolnshire this month to attend theLincolnshire Show – and that’s greatnews for the county’s top venues. Lastyear, despite fairly miserable weather,some 68,000 people attended the Show,matching the record figures of the yearbefore – and for many that involved anovernight stay or two.Indeed it’s estimated that for everypound spent at the show, £20 isgenerated for the localeconomy, thanks to thosevisiting deciding to make it aspecial occasion andcombine a trip to the Showwith a look at what else thecounty has to offer. Thismeans it’s not just thosevenues near the Showgroundthat benefit.Of course, it’s not justthose visiting from outside ofLincolnshire that can find good valueand great hospitality at one of thecounty’s top pubs, restaurants andhotels. Father’s Day is on Sunday 17thJune and no doubt many will be treatingtheir dads to a special meal and a fewpints – and loads of the venues featuredon these pages will doubtless be offeringup special menus for the big occasions.Lincolnshire Today recommends allthe venues included on these pages.They don’t just specialise in fine food –though they all offer fabulous, variedmenus – but also offer a warm welcomeand that indefinable magicalatmosphere that turns a meal to a veryspecial occasion.046-047:Layout 1 11/5/12 12:17 Page 1Clumber Park Hotel and SpaBlyth Road, Clumber Park, North Nottinghamshire S80 3PA Tel: 01623 835333Email: 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 George InnLeaderhamTel: 01400 272251A family-run coaching in on the A17, The George isrenowned for its well-stocked bar – a whisky drinker’s delight,with over five hundred varieties of whisky and drinks fromaround the world.The widely-acclaimed restaurant and brasserie servesLincolnshire Red Beef, English and Italian food in comfortable surroundings. An extensivewine list, good service and friendly atmosphere make this a favourite.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.The Royal OakNorth Kelsey, Market RasenTel: 01652 678534Traditional quality food, good beer and a warm welcome areguaranteed at the Royal Oak. The popular pub, situated in the centreof the attractive village of North Kelsey, is open from 12 noon everyday.Food is served Tuesday to Saturday 12-2pm and 5.30-8.30pm, withSunday lunches available 12-3pm.Appleby’s Famous Farm IcesConisholme, LouthTel: 01507 359002The Appleby family has been making their famous ice cream since 1913.Suppliers to shops and restaurants, look out for their sales vans around thecountry, which are available for functions.Visit Appleby’s café at Weelsby Woods in Grimsby or the café restaurant, openall year daily, serving hot meals, light snacks and delicious Italian coffee. It’s onthe A131 between Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes.The China Royal Restaurant6 Bridge Street, Brigg DN20 8LNTel: 01652 650688 (reservations)/654762 (takeaway)Email: info@chinaroyal.co.ukwww.chinaroyal.co.ukThe intimate, warm surroundings of the China Royal are idealfor the most romantic dinner or the largest banquet. Serving the best in Chinese cuisine, it hasfive star scores on the doors, and was named Oriental Restaurant of the Year 2009, 2010 and2011. Open all Bank Holidays.The Gardener’s RestWithin Fair Gardens Plant Centre, Station Road, Kirton in Lindsey, Gainsborough Tel: 01652 640122www.gardenersrestkirton.co.ukWhen visiting the Fair Gardens Plant Centre in Kirtonin Lindsey, you can enjoy excellent service and variedmenus at the Gardener’s Rest. Take advantage of thespecial deals and pensioners’ offers, and special menusare also available for coach parties.Visit the new outdoor restaurant – coming soon!The Livesey ArmsLivesey Road, Ludborough, GrimsbyTel: 01472 840993 www.theliveseyarms.co.ukThe Livesey Arms has now been taken over again byLee and Sally Austin. Having had a refurbishment, it is stillkeeping the tradition of a country pub. However, it is nowserving authentic Italian cuisine.The Livesey Arms is open Tuesday to Saturday 5.30pmonwards, plus for Saturday lunch 12pm to 2pm and Sunday lunch including a traditional roast12pm to 4pm. It is closed on Sunday evenings.Springfields Events &Conference CentreCamelgate, Spalding PE12 6ET Tel: 01775 713253Email: events@springfields.net www.springfieldsevents.co.ukSpringfields is the ideal venue for every occasion. We specialisein catering for large events – conferences, exhibitions and corporate dinners and parties withseating for up to 500, plus seminars, weddings and private parties. Fully licensed in-housecatering facilities, free parking and an experienced event management team to assist withyour arrangements.The Duke of WellingtonStation Road, Midville Tel: 01205 270593www.dukeofwellingtonmidville.co.ukAt The Duke of Wellington, the aim is to make youwelcome and deliver the very best in food and drink thatwill keep you coming back time and again. The Duke ofWellington is a much loved part of the local communitythat extends a welcome to locals and visitors alike.On offer is great food, drink and warm hospitality.Wishing Well InnMain Road, DykeTel: 01778 422970As traditional as a dining establishment might come, theWishing Well is a country inn with charm, a comprehensivemenu and, at its heart, well-cooked generously portionedfood.Sean and Tim prepare a range of dishes with fresh fish from the Humber, homemade steakand ale pies and huge mixed grills, to accompany nine starters and traditional Englishdesserts in a welcoming, homely traditional village public house.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY47Mantles Restaurant19 Lawrence, Market Place, HorncastleTel: 01507 526726This fully-licensed underground restaurant offers the finestlocal fresh fish, delivered daily. The menu features a variety ofmeals and a specials board daily. It accommodates up to 26delegates and cater for parties and meetings.Restaurant opening hours are weekdays 11.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 7pm, andSaturdays 11am to 7pm, with the takeaway open weekdays 11.30am to 2pm and 4.30pm to8pm, and Saturdays 11am to 8pm.PICTURE YOUR VENUE046-047:Layout 1 11/5/12 12:17 Page 248 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFASHIONBaslerThe Spring/Summer collection fromBasler is a tour de force, alive withcolour and prints that take a womanfrom day to evening. Red is theshade of the season.048-059:Layout 1 11/5/12 12:32 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY49FASHIONBang ontrend!Be bold and get noticed in thestatement colours of the season –red, white and blue! Many of theleading designers offer somegorgeous pieces for your capsulewardrobe, enabling you to mix andmatch for all occasions. Mensweartoo is smart, preppy and stylish.Bang ontrend!048-059:Layout 1 11/5/12 12:32 Page 2Next >