< Previous40 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGLincolnshire has got to be one ofBritain’s top food destinations. There’salmost always something from thecounty on your dinner plate and everytown and village revolves around itspubs, restaurants and hotels.Once you’d have expected fine diningand distinctive dishes to only be found inthe most expensive of establishments, inone or two self-consciously upmarketlocations, but these days you can findculinary innovation and a commitment toexcellence almost everywhere you turn.The standard of food you expect to find,and more often than not receive, in atraditional pub would have beenunthinkable maybe twenty years ago.As a nation our tastes have broadenedimmensely and Lincolnshire’s diningestablishments have acted fast to caterfor this demand. They’re also reacting toan increased interest in local produce andthe fact we’re all more interested in theprovenance of what goes on our plate isgreat news for the local economy asLincolnshire growers and producers areenjoying a huge appetite for their wares.In fact, 10% of English agriculture, 5% ofUK food processing jobs and 70% of the UKfish processing sector are in GreaterLincolnshire – making it such an importantcontributor to the county’s prosperity. Thereare grand plans to improve that still further aswell – the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, whopromote the county’s growth, aim to trebleexports of Lincolnshire food by 2030, as wellas replacing 10% of the food that’s currentlyimported into the UK with the county’sproducts. The aim is not simply to rest on ourlaurels and live off our heritage but, throughinvestment in production and distributionmethods, enjoy even greater success.Certainly Lincolnshire produce is muchsought after. It’s reported that the visitoreconomy in Lincoln, for example, hasgrown 10% between 2012 and 2013,making it worth £168 million to the localeconomy and supporting almost 2500 jobs.One of the reasons for this was because offood and drink with 10% more people thanthe previous year visiting to sample thecity’s culinary fare. Anyone who’s visitedLincoln in the evening will be aware of thehuge number of options to suit every tastethat are now available in the city.Elsewhere in the region the same is true.In Gainsborough this summer the first BigFood Event brought together chefs fromsome of the region’s leading culinaryestablishments to demonstrate their talents.The event ran in Marshall’s Yard alongsidethe popular Italian Food Market and theFarmers’ Market and is a wonderfulexample of how Lincolnshire produce worksalongside inspiration and ideas from abroadto create something extra special.Thebest ofthe bestLincolnshire’s dining options are renowned farand wide – and we pick the best of the best!PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/VALERIO PARDI040-041:Layout 1 15/9/14 09:58 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY41FOOD & DININGExotic 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.PictureYour VenueTo promote your services call Angie Cooper on 01472 310302or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.ukByards 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 2014.The Lodge has five double rooms, all of which are en-suite and on the ground floor, as wellas two two-bedroom apartments. Dedicated facilities for the disabled are available.Springfields Events & Conference CentreCamelgate, Spalding, PE12 6ET Tel: 01775 713253Email: events@springfields.net www.springfieldsevents.co.uk Now licensed for civil weddings and partnerships, Springfields EventsCentre specialise in catering for large events – conferences, exhibitions andcorporate dinners/parties (seating up to 500), plus seminars, weddings andprivate parties.In-house catering and bar staff, free parking and an experienced eventmanagement team can assist with your arrangements.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.Alison Hall of Marshall’s Yard, who organised the event, says,“We really wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate all things‘food’ with this event and we’re delighted with the response. TheFarmers’ Market boasts an impressive display of locally rearedmeat with Red Hill Farm, Dexter Beef and Oslinc joining – it was agreat opportunity to come and sample some traditional Italianfayre as well as some great local produce which we’re so lucky tohave right here on our doorstep in Lincolnshire.”In our pages every month we always celebrate Lincolnshirefood but at this time of year we like to shout about it. Once morethe Lincolnshire Today team have been visiting diningestablishments across the county to pick the very best for thisyear’s Deliciously Lincolnshire Dining Awards.We know, it’s a tough job! Our Dining Awards are based on theverdicts of our mystery diners, the views of our reviews team whovisit scores of restaurants each year, and suggestions from readers– creating the ultimate selection of the county’s greatest eateries.Over the next few pages we’ll highlight the winners of this year’sprizes. Don’t forget to look out for our awards at venues acrossthe county and you’ll be guaranteed the highest standards – andif we haven’t honoured your favourite, let us know and we’llcheck them out for next year!PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGESMantles 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.040-041:Layout 1 15/9/14 09:58 Page 242 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGAs Edward Templeman, winemaker andviniculturalist at Somerby Vineyards pointsout, Lincolnshire is actually a fantasticlocation to produce wine – its low rainfall,decent amount of sunshine, limestone-based soil and gentle slopes are theperfect combination for high quality wine.Somerby Vineyards makes the most of thiswith sixteen acres of vineyards.Edward started producing wine on thesite in 2008 and it’s already enjoyed greatsuccess. Their Solaris 2013, for example,recently won the gold award at the UKVinicultural Association tastings,confirming it is one of the mostexceptional in the whole of England. Thered wine has also been honoured inmajor industry awards. The Solaris 2013produced at Somerby is of such a highstandard it can now be purchased inmany retailers around Lincolnshire,including Waitrose, as well as local traderssuch as Sandhams of Caistor.It’s perhaps no surprise that suchfantastic Lincolnshire wine goes so wellwith top class Lincolnshire produce.Edward tells us that they recently held atasting at the Wig and Mitre in Lincolnwhere the Solaris was served alongsidesucculent Grimsby smoked salmon. Theacidity of the wine and the fat of thesalmon was a fabulous combination.When Edward arrived at Somerby, ownerBill Hobson, who has worked extensivelyin the seafood industry, gave him thechallenge of creating a wine that workedwith local produce and that’s somethingthey’ve managed to deliver.It’s possible to visit the Vineyards fortasting sessions. With the Harvest thesessions have ended for the year butthey’ll resume in the spring. Groups arewelcome by appointment to sample thewine and witness the work that goes on.It’s highly likely that fabulousLincolnshire food and Lincolnshire winewill be appearing together on more andmore menus in the future.Cheers for Lincolnshire wine!As we’re celebrating local Lincolnshire cuisine in these pages, we thought we’d also take theopportunity to highlight the wonders of local wine as well. Somerby Vineyards is a prolific producer ofhigh quality wine and it has been honoured with major awards.Somerby Vineyards’ Solaris 2013 recently won thegold award at the UK Vinicultural Associationtastings, with owner Bill Hobson and winemakerEdward Templeman collecting the prizeSomerby Vineyards span oversixteen acresLincolnshire wine has enjoyed great acclaimAward-winning wine produced in Lincolnshire, working perfectly with local produceAvailable from local outlets across Lincolnshire including branches of Waitrose and Sandhams of CaistorTasting sessions available for groups by appointment in spring and summerSomerby, Lincolnshire DN38 6EX 01652 628165 / 0771 4155057www.somerbyvineyards.com042:Layout 1 12/9/14 14:31 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY43FOOD & DININGHere at The Duke ofWellington, in the wonderfulcounty of scenic Lincolnshire,our aim is to make youwelcome and deliver the verybest in food, drink andservice that will keep youcoming back time andagain. The Duke ofWellington is a muchloved part of the localcommunity that extendsa welcome to locals andvisitors alike. We offergreat food, drink and warmhospitality.NOWTAKINGCHRISTMASBOOKINGSStation Road, Midville,LincolnshirePE22 8HWTel: 01205 270593Email : dukeofwellington@fsmail.netwww.dukeofwellingtonmidville.co.ukThe standard of dining is so good in Lincolnshire at the momentthat were we to honour all those that meet those criteria, however,we’d be giving out hundreds of prizes! That’s why we also watchout for that indefinable special something that separates the goodrestaurants from the rest. As well as the food being excellent, thewelcome has to be warm and the atmosphere special.Deliciously Lincolnshire Silver Awards winners can promisefantastic food in a delightful atmosphere and continue towelcome thousands of satisfied customers each year. They’represented to venues we always return to knowing we’re going toget quality, and are rightly renowned in their local area for beingconsistently excellent.These days you can find culinary innovation and a commitmentto excellence almost everywhere you turn. It used to be that finedining would only be available at the most exclusive ofestablishments but, as our palates have become more discerningand we’re used to a range of flavours and textures, it’s available innumerous establishments, with chefs happy to supplementtraditional local fare with inspiration from around the world.That’s certainly the case with our award winners.Don’t forget, if you have a favourite venue that isn’t featured inthese pages, we want to know about it so we can consider it fornext year’s awards! Email us at lincs-today@blmgroup.co.uk, tweetus at @lincstoday or write to us at the address at the front of themagazine and we’ll try and visit as soon as we can to put it to thetest!Deliciously DeliciouslyLincolnshireSilverSilverAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETSilver serviceLincolnshire Today’s Dining Awards are only presented to the very best establishments in the county – thosethat offer exceptional value for money, the highest quality of service and consistent use of local produce. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/LUIZ ROCHA043:Layout 1 15/9/14 11:24 Page 144 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGRestaurant01522 575207Takeaway01522 575201169 Burton Road, Lincoln LN1 3LWFamily run Fish & Chip shop with over 30 years experienceTakeaway & Licensed Restaurant with air-conditioningWe proudly use Lincolnshire grown potatoes which we prepare freshly each day on the premises and were voted national champions in the choice chip awards for the second year running We only use fish from sustainable sources and were the first fish and chip shop in the county to achieve MSC certification for our HaddockOur fish is fresh, filleted and delivered dailyWe also offer a Gluten free menu on the first Tuesday of each monthPoached, Pan Fried or Battered and Deep Fried We have the fish for you...www.burtonroadchippy.co.uk Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETTMMEP-C-244Such are the huge stridesmade in Lincolnshire’s diningestablishments over the pastfew years, our award winnersneed to be of a stunninglyhigh standard and we’rethrilled to report that thedecisions over who receives oneof our prestigious Gold Awardsget harder every year!The restaurants, hotels andcafes featured in the followingpages are those we particularlyrecommend for their use of localproduce and consistent innovationand quality across their menus – aswell as exceptional standards ofservice and settings.Is there anything as enjoyable as the very best in classic Britishcuisine, served up in indulgent large helpings while in traditional,comfortable surroundings? Well, what about authenticinternational dishes, cooked to perfection by expert chefs, andserved in restaurants that brilliantly evoke culture from around theworld? But then there’s also the cool and contemporary chic of aclassy café where you can pop in for a coffee.Certainly throughout the winners in this category there areenough dining options to suit every taste with the best ininternational cuisine, plus a modern take on traditional Britishfare. The venues featured have all been visited by our diners onregular occasions because they know they’re guaranteed the veryhighest of standards every time they visit.Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KZENONThe gold standardFinest al fresco Italian dining set on the picturesque Burton WatersTel: 01522 542711 Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET044:Layout 1 12/9/14 14:30 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY45FOOD & DININGAfternoon tea these days is somethingoffered more and more at eateries acrossthe county. But past the usualsandwiches, tea and scones, we are yetto witness one that truly stands outabove the rest and offers a newexperience.The Old Palace have changed all that,with their version taking the traditionaland quaint model that step further andsomewhat revolutionising the process.Instead of ordering in the traditionalstyle, there’s a new level to the amountof choice you are given. Depending onyour preference, a traditional tea can beeschewed in favour of a refreshing ginand tonic option. With a range offlavoured gins supplied by nearby ElyGins, you can let your hair down andenjoy a cool, zesty and somewhatcosmopolitan glass with your food.Of course, the traditional option stillstands head and shoulders over other teaswe have tried. The idea of choice onceagain raises its head, with the ability topick from nine different varieties of looseleaf tea from artisan producers MightyLeaf Tea. From the somewhat unusualCoco Chai, an African rooibos teacomplete with shredded coconut andspiced with ginger, cardamom andcinnamon, to the more traditional organicEarl Grey, it’s a pleasure to choose.Presented with a case of glass vials filledwith teas, you are invited to breathe ineach corked container and take your timepicking. We considered several options, allvery tempting, but eventually plumpedfor a green-hued tea dubbed CalmingMoon, which combined mint, liquorice,fennel and a hint of citrus to provide arelaxing infusion which was poured into aglass teapot and left to infuse. Howstrong you want the tea is up to you anda quirky egg timer can be set for differentinfusion times to your taste.The finger sandwiches on offer aredelicate, yet generously filled with fresh,tasty ingredients and the cakes are amongsome of the best we’ve tried in Lincoln, awhite chocolate profiterole and a luxuriouschocolate brownie particularly standingout. The scone, served with clotted creamand strawberry jam, as well as freshstrawberries and blueberries was still warmeven after waiting for the tea to infuse, sowent perfectly with the whole experience.If you want palatial surroundings andan afternoon tea that straddles both thevintage and the contemporary, you willnot be disappointed with The Old Palace’sefforts. We’re already planning a returnvisit.Afternoon teas areserved in the Palace’sdrawing room andprivate gardens fromnoon to 6pm, sevendays a week.The Old Palace is in Minster Yard, Lincoln, LN2 1PU. To find out more or to book anafternoon tea, call 01522 580000 or visit www.theoldpalace.orgAfternoon Tea atThe Old PalaceTucked away quietly at the side of Lincoln Cathedral, The Old Palace isa fantastic place to relax. With a new, revamped and ambitiousafternoon tea offering, we pay them a visit to fully enjoy the experience.Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET045:Layout 1 12/9/14 14:32 Page 1Grimsby Golf ClubHaving grown up in the area and returned, Richard Howden and his partnerClaire Wheeler are taking dining at Grimsby Golf club to a new level. We pay them avisit to try their ambitious new menu.Dessert was a sight tobehold, with colours allevoking the end ofsummer and autumn’sgrasp, a Madagascanvanilla panna cotta satamong bows ofchocolate, berries andFrench macaroons. Theraspberry sorbet andcandied cobnuts alsomade for a crunch-filleddish. Each element of thisrather busy dishcomplemented the nextand we were leftwondering why we haven’t tried such aningenious combination before.The Grimsby Golf Course is a PrivateMembers Club, but also offers manydifferent categories of Corporate andIndividual Social Membership that allowsyou to utilise theClub's Facilities.Please contact ClubManager Jon Tysonon 01472 342630for further details.Having been Michelin-trained, Richard’scredentials speak forthemselves. He is aMaster Craftsman and amember of the CraftGuild of Chefs, as well ashaving secured places inthe Good Food Guideand been tipped forinclusion for the MichelinGuide 2015. Having alsobeen behind twoawards, BestContemporaryRestaurant andRestaurant of the Year in 2014, hisreputation is second to none.We enjoyed a three-course meal ofRichard’s choice, which meant weenjoyed a dish of seared Isle of Skyescallops with compressed beef cheek,parsnip, pea shoots, black truffle andport to start. The cheek is prepared forhours in a water bath, which gives it adelicate and silky finish which wentperfectly with the scallops, flavoured ablyby the truffle and chiming with the46 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGvegetables equally well.A fillet of round Green Farm venison,served along with a miniature venisonand Doom Bar ale pot pie and gardenthyme Dauphinoise was simplyastounding. With the game being servedslightly pink, it had a rich, satisfying biteand the hearty pie’s contents weresteamy and delectable once you crackedthe golden crust. The root vegetableaccompaniment also made for perfecttextures to enjoy alongside.Grimsby Golf ClubHaving grown up in the area and returned, Richard Howden and his partnerClaire Wheeler are taking dining at Grimsby Golf club to a new level. We pay them avisit to try their ambitious new menu.Grimsby Golf Club is just off Littlecoates Road, Grimsby DN31 4LU. To find out more, orto book a table, call 01472 342630 or visit www.grimsbygolfclub.co.uk Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET046:Layout 1 12/9/14 14:34 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY47FOOD & DININGMany of these featured have beenestablished for many years and have astrong reputation that spreads far beyondLincolnshire itself. They have been at theforefront of the explosion of qualityrestaurants in the county in recent years anddoubtless played a major role in luringvisitors to the area.Don’t think the high standards of diningmeans the venues are totally exclusive,formidable establishments either. Thefabulous food that’s served in these places ismatched with a wonderful atmosphere. InLincolnshire we’re blessed with all manner ofstunning locations and the establishmentsemphasise that, with marvellous views,spectacular settings and unique designfeatures. They don’t rest on their laurels,either – making the most of their heritagewhile also being among the first tointroduce new ideas on the menus and intheir restaurants.A further aspect that has ensured wepresent the venues with our highest accoladeare the friendly staff who are hugelyknowledgeable about the dishes they serveand can offer a host of helpful suggestionson what will suit any taste. They help ensurean evening is not just enjoyable butexceptional – the kind you’ll remember andrecommend to all your friends. They’ve allbeen firm favourites of Lincolnshire Today foryears and when we’re welcoming guests tothe county we always head in their direction.When you visit a Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinum Award winner, you know you’regoing to enjoy an unmatched culinaryexperience – they truly are the best of thebest! Our warmest congratulations to thewinners.WherequalitycountsDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETWherequalitycountsPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ANDREY BAYDAOur final set of Dining Award winners over the next few pages are those in our platinum category.These are the places we consider the absolute cream of the crop.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ELENAGAAK047-048:Layout 1 15/9/14 10:31 Page 148 LINCOLNSHIRETODAY"RING YOUR PARTY TO THE 3PLASH FROM ONLY a PER PERSON3PECIAL PARTY MENU AVAILABLE STND $ECEMBERCOURSE #HRISTMAS ,UNCHFROM ONLY a PER PERSON UNDER S a "RING IN THE .EW 9EARFROM ONLY a PER PERSONCOURSE DINNER FOLLOWED BY ENTERTAINMENT IN THE CONSERVATORY PYROTECHNICS AT MIDNIGHTINFO ROYALOAKSPLASHCOUK WWWROYALOAKSPLASHCOUK4EL 7ATERY ,ANE ,ITTLE #AWTHORPE ,OUTH$/.4 -)33 /54 #ALL BOOK YOUR TABLE TODAY7HY NOT STAY THE NIGHT IN ONE OF OUR ENSUITE BEDROOMS !SK FOR DETAILSDining at BanstnHao rnnnggarraanoonnHaaHoteHotooee*:)6;<760)4407<-4?-,,16/+76.-:-6+-*)69=-<16/;8-+1)41;<;Branston Hall Hotel is open to the general public all year round. The spacious lounges and opulent dining room are the ideal venue to KMTMJZI\MIVa[XMKQITWKKI[QWVWZ\W[QUXTa\ZMI\aW]Z[MTN4]VKPIN\MZVWWV\MIJIZ[VIKS[IVL,QVVMZI\\PM4ISM[QLM:M[\I]ZIV\IZMITTI^IQTIJTMNWZVWVZM[QLMV\[IVL_Q\PW]ZI_IZL_QVVQVONWWLIVL[MZ^QKMKW]XTML_Q\P\PMT]`]ZQW][[]ZZW]VLQVO[aW]VMMLTWWSVWN]Z\PMZ\PIV*ZIV[\WV0ITT0W\MTNWZaW]ZQLMITLQVQVO^MV]M8ZQ^I\MLQVQVOZWWU[IZMIT[WI^IQTIJTM.WZUWZMLM\IQT[WVXZQKM[IVLPW_\WJWWSXTMI[MKPMKSW]\W]Z_MJ[Q\MI\___JZIV[\WVPITTKWUWZ^Q[Q\W]Z.IKMJWWS<_Q\\MZ[WKQITXIOM[alalalerialrialrialalriallerialriariariaria photophoto photo photo photohotophotophoto photophotophotophotophototophotophotophotohotohotohotophotohotphotphotphooooooohophohhhhhhphppppp by Zty ZtbyZt by Zttby Ztby Zt by ZtZtby Zt by by b bbnMedienMedinMedienMedienMedidienMedinMedienMedinMedienMednMednMedddnMedenMeddddeneneneneneneaaaaaaaaaa*ZIV[\WV0ITT0W\MTÈ*ZIV[\WVÈ4QVKWTVÈ468,<"!È."!ÈQVNW(JZIV[\WVPITTKWUwww.branstonhall.com.WTTW_][)YPUN[OPZHK]LY[MVYHJVTWSPTLU[HY`.3(::6->05,+PUPUNPU[OLYLZ[H\YHU[Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET;MRIHMRIERHVIPE\4IX[SSH,SXIP7XM\[SYPH6SEH;SSHLEPP7TE0MRGSPRWLMVI025+VIGITXMSR$TIX[SSHGSYO[[[TIX[SSHGSYO)RNS]JMRIHMRMRKERHJERXEWXMG[MRIWMRSYVVIWXEYVERXHIPMGMSYWFEVQIEPW[MXLZMI[WSZIVXLIFIEYXMJYPKEVHIRWERH0MRGSPRWLMVIEJXIVSSRXIEWSRXLIXIVVEGI7II[[[TIX[SSHGSYOJSVQIRYWERHQSVIMRJSVQEXMSRTHEjenny wren innSUSWORTHThe Jenny Wren is a Riverside Freehouse, Restaurant & Function Suite withplenty to offer...booknowfor-Christmas-Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETWith a reputation for incredible food & a welcoming atmosphere.Pay a visit and experience the charm for yourselves.Booking is advised to avoid dissapointment.Jenny Wren Inn, East Ferry Road Susworth DN17 3ARTEL 01724 784000 www.jennywreninn.co.uk047-048:Layout 1 15/9/14 10:31 Page 2Grille,The White HartHotel, LincolnWe’ve long been advocates of the White Hart’srestaurant, Grille. We relish every visit, such is thefantastic quality, and this time was no exception.With a firm style that combines high-end dining with affordable prices, theWhite Hart always strikes a balance weappreciate. Whereas most eateries wouldcompromise on ingredients or portions tosqueeze their margins, the White Hartbelieves in feeding healthy appetiteswhile offering a great price point too, butwhat does it taste like?We settled in for the evening in awindow seat, the first time we’ve had thechance to people-watch on Lincoln’shistoric Bailgate while we dined. Mydining partner perused the generouswine list and picked out a fruity CabernetSauvignon that completely fit with muchof the meal.A basket of bread with homemadehummus and a balsamic and olive oilcombination was a great way to startproceedings, but we soon chose startersof cured Spanish ham with a celeriacremoulade and a delightful pea and hamhock risotto. The ham was a smoky, lightway to begin the meal, with the celeriaccutting through with a sharp andcrunchy alternative. The risotto wassatisfyingly filling and the fresh peas liftedthe dish way above average.For the main course, we opted for thefish of the day, which on this occasionwas cod with a basil and tomato crustwith a delicious ratatouille and newpotatoes. The cod was delicate, beingcomplemented with the crust toperfection. The ratatouille was also aninspired accompaniment, its rusticflavours chiming with the fish and potatoto create a dish that wouldn’t be out ofplace in a French country retreat. We alsoplumped for a hearty and elegant bellypork, which came with bubble andsqueak and a fantastic port sauce. Thecrackling on top gave way to a succulentand lovingly-prepared meat and thetangy flavours that came from anaccompanying caramelised apple made ita perfect dish to enjoy either on a coolersummer’s night or way into the depths ofwinter, just amazing.For dessert, the choices at grille aremany, but we went for some ice creamwith crisp caramel biscuits, which madefor a light end to the meal, while ahoneycomb-rich raspberry crème bruleemade with fresh crème Chantilly made uswant to book in again to try this againsoon.Always assuredlydelicious, we are perhapsthe establishment’sbiggest fans. If you’venever visited, make thisone of your first choicesright away, you won’t beleft wanting. The White Hart is on Bailgate, Lincoln, LN1 3AR. To find out more or to book a table, call 01522 526222 or visit www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk. LINCOLNSHIRETODAY49Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET049:Layout 1 15/9/14 09:28 Page 1Next >