< PreviousHaving grown up in Sheffield, Dale has lived alife so far that is well-travelled and has enjoyed acareer that is not only varied, but sounds like hehas experienced an eclectic range of cookingstyles. Having started off by washing pots at a localrestaurant, Dale soon realised he had an interest incooking and following a City and Guildsqualification has been cooking across the country.Having held positions over the years, Dale’s firstbig job was in the prestigious Cairn Hotel inHarrogate as a commis chef, before embarking onseveral other positions including chef at a countrypub outside of Wentworth and the Whitley HallHotel in Grenoside Sheffield, where he was thechef de partie, “That position was all freshproduce and we did a lot of our own pastrythere,” says Dale, “but my next job was asurprise as I interviewed with a hotel in Sheffieldfor three hours and heard nothing back. Severalweeks later they called me back and asked if Iwanted a head chef position at The Moathouse,Birmingham which I ended up taking.”Dale opened one of the area’s first gastro-esque establishments here, before makingthe move back to Yorkshire and serving atseveral prestige venues includingFOOD & DININGLocal andluxuriousLocal andluxuriousThe Lincoln Hotel is famed for its restaurant aswell as its Cathedral view. We decided to payhead chef Dale Gill a visit to find out how heretains the city venue’s high standards andreputation for gastronomy.The Lincoln Hotel is on Eastgate, Lincoln, LN2 1PN. To find out more or to book a table, call 01522 520348 or visit www.thelincolnhotel.com070-071:Layout 1 16/5/14 13:57 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY71FOOD & DININGPan Seared Duck with a spring onion rostiand sweet chilli jusWith this dish, Dale wanted to put over an idea of Springtime freshness. Dale says, “I always think duck and chilli goes together well, and it has a spring and summer feelto it with the pea shoots and potatoes. It’s a flavoursome dish that also looks great on the plate.”Ingredients:1 duck breastA splash of extra virgin olive oil2 spring onions, 1 finely chopped, 1 sliced into fine strips2oz butter1 bakers potato, peeled, grated and washed1 garlic clove, finely chopped1 red chilli, deseed and finely chopped1 onion, roughly chopped1-2 tsp of honey or brown sugar (sweeten to your own taste)175ml tomato juice1 punnet of pea shoots to garnishMixed leavesMethod:Heat some olive oil in a saucepan, add the garlic, onion and chilli. Gently fry until soft, then addthe tomato juice and honey. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes on a low heat.Place a splash of oil in a frying pan on a medium heat, then add the duck, skin side down.Once sealed on both sides, place into the oven at 160° to 180°C and cook for ten minutes untilpink in the middle.In a bowl, mix the potato and chopped spring onion together.Melt the butter in a frying pan then insert the potato mixture, trying to form a disc shape. Youcan use a ringed cutter to make it easier.Fry until golden brown on both sides.Remove the duck from the oven and leave to rest for five minutes, then slice into half.Remove the sauce from the heat and pass through a fine sieve.Wash and drain the mixed leaves.Place the leaves in the centre of the plate, add the rosti and sliced duck on top.Drizzle the chilli sauce around the plate, garnish with pea shoots and the finely sliced springonion strips.Tankersley Manor and a return to Whitley Hallas acting head chef.Following this, a move to Lincolnshire hasseen Dale and his family getting used to aslower pace of life but an appreciation for localingredients in his cooking, too. “The fact that I can drive around the countyand see the vegetables growing in the fieldsand then be sent them direct by our suppliers isgreat. We recently got a delivery of carrots forexample and they were so fresh out the groundthey were still covered in mud!”Dale’s cooking is modern British cuisine, butwith contemporary twists. However ask Daleabout his style and he will simply state “Themore simple the better.”Hotel manager James Little also adds: “It’scontemporary British style that’s not toocomplicated. We don’t like to mess with thelocal produce too much when it’s this good!”As members of Select Lincolnshire and havingwon awards for best restaurant for the hotel’sGreen Room restaurant, they are clearlypassionate about food and take theircustomers’ tastes seriously.A recent menu change saw a feedback loopestablished with diners, with comments takenon board before the menu was publishedofficially and dishes changed as a result.Dale’s influences tend to stem from his owncreativity, but he looks for ideas online; “There’sa whole host of information out there andsometimes I’ll see something I think will workbut people’s tastes have changed, they areperhaps more demanding these days. With somuch choice made easier you have to havefood that stands out but in the end, people justwant that good local food which we provide.”James adds, “People are more selective inwhat they are ordering and definitely moreconfident in asking about details of specificingredients. There is a greater interaction withtechnology now and customers researchrecipes online to help improve their own skillsat home. This makes the dining experiencemuch more interactive and enjoyable.”070-071:Layout 1 16/5/14 13:57 Page 272 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGOwners Simon and Nigel havecreated a menu that they feel showsoff both their love of good food andlocal ingredients that showcase thearea’s rich food heritage. With a calmand serene setting, the pub sits at thecentre of the village and is perfect foreither a quiet drink in the sunshine, orif you have an appetite, a bite to eat.With a menu sparkling with choice,it’s a real challenge to know whichdishes to go for, so tempting is everyrich description. Indeed the affabletone adopted in the menu meansyou are guided towards a choice andeven if not, there’s a handyBlacksmith’s logo proudly displayedby dishes Simon and Nigel areparticularly proud of.We selected some light starters inthe shape of a Nicoise Gem salad,which was a truly fresh starter. Amedley of eggs, olives, tomato,green beans, herb oil and freshlyshaved parmesan made for asatisfying and appetising way tobegin. As well as this we werepresented with a trio of fish, withsome succulent salmon arrivingflanked by a delicious andhomemade fish cake and a prawncocktail served within a bed oflettuce. This was also a delicate andmouth-watering way to begin themeal, with the fish cake in particulargoing well with the lemon and chivemayonnaise it was served with.For the main course, a generousportion of Italian vegetable pastaheaped with sundried tomatoes,pieces of feta cheese, juliennevegetables and olives was finishedwith more parmesan and blackpepper to create an authentic andpesto-tinged tagliatelle.Along with this, we ordered aSpring chicken, dusted in parmesanand five spice which came with freshpotatoes, spinach, cherry tomatoesand green beans. Drizzled with apesto and sundried tomato oil, it wasan aromatic and delicious dish whichnot only showed off the local producethe restaurant uses, but also hints oforiental influence creeping in.To finish, we selected a subtle andcreamy raspberry and mangocheesecake and a cherry chocolatetower, which came as thin wafers ofrich chocolate mounted on thickcream and drizzled with indulgentcherry reductions that really hit thespot. If you want a truly satisfying mealin relaxing surroundings that oozes atrue taste of Lincolnshire with amodern twist, you can’t go far wrongwith the Blacksmith’s Arms. To furtheraccentuate this, a new wine list is onthe way, which will no doubtcomplement the already outstandingfood on offer. We can’t wait for areturn visit to do a tasting of ourown!The Blacksmith’s Arms, RothwellWith a beautiful setting tucked over the hills in the Cherry Valley, the Blacksmith’s Arms is a fantastictraditional style pub with a contemporary feel. We dropped in to sample their seasonal food and hospitality.The Blacksmith’s Arms is at Hillrise, Rothwell, near Market Rasen, LN7 6AZ. To book a table or to find out more, call 01472 371300 or visit www.blacksmiths-rothwell.co.uk.072:Layout 1 16/5/14 12:27 Page 1The 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.The Blue Bell 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 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.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY73PictureYour VenueWindmill RestaurantHigh Street, Burgh-Le-Marsh PE24 5JT Tel: 01754 810281Email: sharon@windmillrestaurant.co.ukwww.windmillrestaurant.co.ukSet in the beautiful village of Burgh-Le-Marsh, five miles from Skegness,the award-winning Windmill Restaurant offers fresh local produce. Friendly,efficient staff offer three course Sunday lunch for £16.95, served 12-2.Watch out for the lunchtime special menu served Wednesday to Friday12-2, with two courses for £13, and the early evening menu served Wednesday to Saturday.A full a la carte menu is available at all times outside Sunday lunch.To promote your services call Angie Cooper on 01472 310302or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.ukValerie’s Italian24 Kingsway, Cleethorpes Tel: 01472 235556www.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.Bell HotelHigh Street, Burgh le Marsh Tel: 01754 810318www.bellhotelburgh.co.ukJust off the A158, set between Skegness and the beautifultranquil hills of the Lincolnshire Wolds, both locals andvisitors are always made to feel welcome at the Bell. Thereare eight en-suite bedrooms and three self-catering cottageswhich are located in the hotel grounds.Freshly cooked food is served daily, from bar snacks to three course meals, served ineither the bar or the restaurant, with a carvery every Sunday from 12-3pm.The Cherry TreeMastins Corner, Skegness Road, IngoldmellsTel: 01754 762756The Cherry Tree Bar & Diner offers good food, goodcompany and good times. Food is cooked fresh to order,with a varied menu available and a carvery served everySunday from 12 noon. There’s entertainment every Fridayand Saturday night.The new licensed function room is now ready to be booked for any occasion. Book yourown entertainment or the team at the Cherry Tree can do it for you.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 deliciouschoice of 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.Mr Chips of Louth17-21 Aswell Street, Louth LN11 9BATel: 01507 603756Fish and chips are loved and enjoyed by everygeneration, so why not visit one of the top threerestaurants in Lincolnshire. It is recognised by FryMagazine’s top 50 UK shops for the finest fish and chipscooked in top quality high Oleic Sunflower Oil.Captain & CookChurch Lane, Horncastle LN9 5HWTel: 01507 201340Come and visit the Captain & Cook CoffeeHouse, Cafe and Delicatessen for fine teas, coffeesand freshly prepared lunches served in a relaxedatmosphere.You are invited to browse the Captain & Cook’sgifts and speciality foods.TheBarman.biz146 Yarborough Road, Grimsby DN314 4DLTel: 01472 348127/07827 920583www.thebarman.bizTheBarman.biz’s mobile, event and outdoor bar company provides bar hire for all kinds ofvenues and occasions throughout Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.Whether it’s a village hall, marquee, community centre or conference centre, they can doit! The individual needs of each client are very important to them, to give that personaltouch.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.073:Layout 1 6/6/14 09:13 Page 174 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBRIDAL FASHIONStar of the showFor many brides, the choice of a wedding dress allows them an opportunity to achieve an ambition fromchildhood to look and feel like a fairytale princess – and Lincolnshire’s bridal fashion specialists can certainlyhelp make you find the right outfit for a totally romantic occasion. That’s not the only option, however, and asweddings are becoming more informal you can deviate for the norm to find something that suits your ownpersonal sense of style. We start our special wedding section with some inspirational ideas.Cymbeline- Cymbeline specialise in workingwith beautiful laces, in fabulous cuts flatting allfigure types. Many of their designs are stylishand quirky with removable petticoats to offeran alternative look for the evening074-076:Layout 1 16/5/14 13:31 Page 1A.C. PAILTHORP JEWELLERSFor Quality, Value and ServiceA wedding band is the everlasting symbol of eternal lovesignified by an unbroken band.At A. C. Pailthorp Jewellers we have the latest technology for you to design your own bespoke wedding rings.Unique to you, designed for lifeAll wedding rings can be engraved to signify that special moment in your lives.Call into our shop in Brigg where our experienced and professional staff are ready to advise you on a full range of stunning jewellery andgifts for your special day.A.C. Pailthorp Jewellers12a Wrawby Street, Brigg, DN20 8JH01652 653374 - acpailthorpjewellers@live.co.ukYour ring, your wayLINCOLNSHIRETODAY75An exclusive range of Bridal Gowns and Bridesmaids, plus ranges from other leading designers. Contemporary and traditional styles, accessories too. All alterations completed in-house.Ladies 01522 522616PERFECTIONBRIDAL & MENSWEARAlso one of Lincolnshire's longest established menswear hire specialists with over 30 years experience. All hire suits held in stock to try on before you order.Groom goes free with five or more outfits.Menswear 01522 533615 31/32 Silver Street, Lincoln, LN2 1EW www.perfectionbridalandmenswear.co.uk074-076:Layout 1 16/5/14 13:31 Page 2The Bridal BoutiqueContact us for a free consultation on:Tel: 01507 654569 Email: louthbridalboutique@sky.com 117 Eastgate, Louth, LN11 9QEwww.bridalboutiquelouth.co.ukThe bridal boutique caters forall brides-to-be, bridesmaidsand prom girls.All of our dresses are handpicked from the designers;sizes 6-26Ivory & Co.Eternity BridalArt Couture, True BrideRonald JoyceEssence of AustraliaLou LouStockists of Rachel Simpsonshoes, Perfect shoes and Ivory& Co tiaras.76 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYBRIDAL FASHIONLeft: Perfection- As weddings are becoming more informal youcan deviate from the norm to find something that suits your ownpersonal sense of style. These outfits are designed exclusively forPerfection Bridal and Menswear, available in LincolnBelow: Augusta Jones- Light and sophisticated, dreamy andelegant, the Augusta Jones 2014 collection is inspired by GreatGatsby, Old Hollywood Glamour and the English RoseWhen you’re choosing your dress you’ll doubtless have thechance to consider how it works with the jewellery you want.It’ll be under the brightest spotlight on your wedding day, soit’ll need to fit in with the shape, style and colour of yourdress.Compared to the engagement ring, the wedding ring is asimpler affair – but onelikely to stand the test oftime. Your bridal jewelleryis something that cancontinue to enjoy for manyyears – and not just thering. Whatever dazzles willimmediately catch the eyeso bracelets and earringscan add extra sparkle.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KAREN GRIGORYAN074-076:Layout 1 16/5/14 13:31 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY77THE OLD PALACE HOTELLocated in the heart of the historicuphill quarter of Lincoln next to themagnificent Cathedral the Old PalaceHotel is tucked away from the hustle andbustle of the city. Surrounded by maturegardens, this fine example of Victorianand Georgian architecture was oncepalace to the Bishops of Lincoln. Old Palace Restaurant offers a relaxeddining experience for everyone no matterwhat the occasion. The light, airy, south-facing room overlooks the garden andhas a magnificent view of the city. The menu is well balanced andincludes courses to satisfy every taste.The chef has created a delicious selectionof the finest homemade dishes usingprime Lincolnshire produce and seasonalingredients. A well-selected wine listoffers an excellent choice of wines tocomplement your meal. Choose from starters such asLincolnshire asparagus with a soft poachedegg and Hollandaise sauce or searedscallops with rosemary scented blackpudding, yam puree and tender pea shoots. Main courses could include porktenderloin wrapped in Serrano ham withcrisp pork belly, apple puree, thyme jus anddauphinoise potato; or olive oil poachedsalmon, roasted fennel and salsa verde. Finally to complete your meal there’s achoice of mouth-watering desserts orcheese. The Old Palace Restaurant has becomerecognised not only for its fine food, butalso for its friendly atmosphere and goodservice, nothing is too much trouble.Afternoon tea, coffee or a drink withfriends can be enjoyed in the hotel’sDrawing Room. Furnished withcomfortable chairs, sofas and antiques thisroom was once the palace’s library. Tuckinto a sumptuous afternoon tea featuring adelightful selection of sandwiches, cakesand scones, all tailored to reflect theseasons. Sit back, relax and enjoy thepanoramic view.Celebrate your wedding in styleThe Old Palace is one of Lincoln’s mostcharming and picturesque weddingvenues. The hotel has all the ingredientsfor a perfect wedding – its own privatechapel and beautiful gardens, a uniquehistorical backdrop, individually tailoredmenus, and the stunning King andGarden rooms provide a setting ofunrivalled charm and beauty. For more information why not contactThe Old Palace’s Wedding Coordinatorwho will be delighted to discuss therequirements for your special day?The Restaurant is open every eveningfrom 6.30pm to 9pm. The DrawingRoom is open daily from 10am.The Old Palace is in Minster Yard, Lincoln, LN2 1PU. To find out more or to make a booking,call 01522 580000 or visit www.theoldpalace.org.The Old Palace Hotel, Lincoln077:Layout 1 16/5/14 13:14 Page 1WEDDINGSatContact the events department on +44 (0) 1522 565197 / 565180DoubleTree by Hilton LincolnBrayford Wharf North, Lincoln LN1 1YWwww.lincoln.doubletree.comAll the elements of a perfect day5979 DoubleTree Wedding Advert Update 190x277 ART.indd 104/10/2013 14:15078-085:Layout 1 19/5/14 09:53 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY79WEDDINGSFor many of us, one regular fixture inthe summer months is a wedding(preferably not always with you as half ofthe couple). Indeed, some of us mightfind ourselves attending two or threewithin a couple of weeks.They’re always hugely romantic andenjoyable occasions – but they cansometimes get a bit familiar. Sometimesyou can end up looking at the photos afew years later and wondering if youwere even there, straining to rememberwhat happened during the day. Ofcourse, the main consideration of thewedding day is that of the happy couple,but if you can provide your guests withsomething a little out of the ordinary, it’lllive far longer in everyone’s memories,and mean that your guests are far morewilling to stay around rather than optingfor an early night.That doesn’t mean you have toabandon the traditional approachentirely! The idea is not to turn yourwedding into a showbiz spectacular81 Something old,something newPHOTO: CYMBELINEA mix of familiartraditions andsome new ideascan make for aspellbindingwedding078-085:Layout 1 19/5/14 09:53 Page 2Next >