< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCHRISTMASbe decorated. We can’t offer much advice on the lastone, but what we can do is showcasesome of the events taking place acrossour fair county as we move towards themagical winter holiday. From fairs and festivals to pantomimesand parties, take a look at the fantasticfamily events, and take a load off.Planning your festive entertainment nowgives you first dibs on the best venues,the most convenient dates and thehottest tickets, so if you don’t want yourfestive occasion to be relocated to mid-January, you should make your move assoon as you can.Doubtless many of us find it hard tothink about Christmas cheer while thesun is beating down so it’s a good thingmost of our region’s top venues havededicated staff who can help point you inthe right direction. Their aim is notsimply to roll out the same templateevery single event ever held in the venuehas followed to the letter, but to providethe backdrop for your own ideas. That’swhy a lot of venues now make use ofmarquees – to offer a completely blankcanvas that you can completely take overwith your vision.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/HALINA ARAPOVA48-50_Layout 1 14/09/2015 11:05 Page 3Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETDeliciouslyLincolnshireDining AwardsThe Lincolnshire Today team have been visiting diningestablishments across the county to pick the very bestfor this year’s Dining Awards.Lincolnshire food is renowned as some of the best inthe UK, and local ingredients are the basis of themenus in a host of fabulous restaurants. Our DiningAwards are based on the verdicts of our mysterydiners, the views of our reviews team who visit scoresof restaurants each year, and suggestions fromreaders – creating the ultimate list of the county’sgreatest eateries.The Lincolnshire Today team have been visiting diningestablishments across the county to pick the very bestfor this year’s Dining Awards.Lincolnshire food is renowned as some of the best inthe UK, and local ingredients are the basis of themenus in a host of fabulous restaurants. Our DiningAwards are based on the verdicts of our mysterydiners, the views of our reviews team who visit scoresof restaurants each year, and suggestions fromreaders – creating the ultimate list of the county’sgreatest eateries.51_Layout 1 14/09/2015 10:27 Page 152 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYDELICIOUSLY LINCOLNSHIRE DINING AWARDS - GOLDHere at The Duke of Wellington, in thewonderful county of scenic Lincolnshire,our aim is to make you welcome anddeliver the very best in food, drink andservice that will keep you coming backtime and again. The Duke of Wellington is amuch loved part of the local community thatextends a welcome to locals and visitors alike. We offer greatfood, drink and warm hospitality.NOWTAKINGCHRISTMASBOOKINGSStation Road, Midville,LincolnshirePE22 8HWTel: 01205 270593Email: dukeofwellington@fsmail.netwww.dukeofwellingtonmidville.co.ukDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETSuch are the huge strides made in Lincolnshire’s diningestablishments over the past few years, our award winnersneed to be of a stunningly high standard and we’re thrilled toreport that the decisions over who receives one of ourprestigious awards get harder every year!Lincolnshire has a long and proud culinary heritage and thevenues in this section all make use of local produce throughouttheir menus. Recent events such as the Lincolnshire FoodFestival, which Lincolnshire Today supported, and those eventsorganised by Select Lincolnshire, who promote the county’sculinary creations, have featured a literal smorgasbord of tastytreats. Indeed the Food Festival’s slogan was “around theworld and back again” – which perfectly illustrates the county’sfantastic blend of international influences with a distinctiveLincolnshire spin.Almost everywhere you go to eat in Lincolnshire, at leastsomething on the menu will have a local connection – whetherthat’s fish from the docks at Grimsby, Lincoln Red Beef fromthe farms in rural Lincolnshire, or even ostrich from the ostrichfarm in Boston. That’s because top chefs know that localproduce guarantees freshness and high quality – withoutcosting the earth.Of course, many of the best chefs take their cue from thesetraditional dishes but add their own twist to them. Certainly ata time when many of us are looking towards the healthierapproach, changing the recipe to keep in all the taste but losesome of the fat is an obvious selling point. The result is that you’re enjoying great food but with a clearconscience – because it also means you’re helping to supportLincolnshire growers and producers. Hence, money spent inthe county stays in the county and goes to the people thatneed it the most.The restaurants, hotels and cafes featured in the followingpages are those we particularly recommend for their use oflocal produce and consistent innovation and quality acrosstheir menus.Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/STOCKPHOTOSLVThegoldstandardOver the next few pages we reveal the winnersof the Deliciously Lincolnshire Gold Awards.Whether you’re looking for traditional Britishproduce, or exciting taste sensations fromaround the world, there’ll be something foryou in this category.52_Layout 1 14/09/2015 10:28 Page 1their products locally, or boast that themeats come from happy animals. It’sunusual to find a place that puts sucheffort into every aspect of its menu,ensuring that they don’t harm theenvironment or conservation efforts inany way. The attention to detail shows inthe food as well, as the incredible fooddemonstrated.A dessert is not something I am usedto partaking of after a fish and chips, andyet given the appreciation being voicedby literally ever other person in therestaurant, I found myself tempted tosample something from the menu. Iopted for a raspberry and white-chocolate ice-cream cake. Something Ihad not honestly heard of before.Effectively a tiered cake with sponge layeras well as a raspberry ice-cream layer –topped with white chocolate andfresh raspberry - ittasted every bit assweet andindulgent as itlooked. DELICIOUSLY LINCOLNSHIRE DINING AWARDS - GOLDDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETThere’s nothing more quintessentiallyEnglish than a good old fashioned fishand chips. And yet, with hundreds oftakeaways across Lincolnshire, it’s rare tofind a restaurant which specialises in thenation’s favourite meal. So when weheard about a Lincoln-based fish andchips restaurant, which had won firstplace for independent restaurants at theNational Fish and Chips Awards 2015.Well, we had to stop by and see forourselves.I visited Burton Road Chippy on myown for a change, between a fewmeetings in Lincoln, and was surprised tofind that even at two in the afternoon ona Tuesday – the restaurant was bustlingwith customers. Always a good sign. The staff were friendly and saw me to atable before taking my order for food anddrinks. It would be easy to suggest a fishand chips restaurant wouldn’t have muchto offer in terms of the menu – but therewas actually quite the choice. Of course Ichose the haddock and chips, withmushy peas, curry and slicedbread. How else could one expectto judge a fish and chipsrestaurant, if not on the quality oftheir titular meal? It did not disappoint. In fact, thefish was some of the softest andwhitest I have seen, and was full offlavour. The portions were morethan generous and the curry saucewas simply divine – something a lot offish and chips shops seem to fail at. Thechips were perfect too, and it turns outthey were actually Lincolnshire grownMaris Piper potatoes, that are prepareddaily at the premises. If that wasn’tenough Burton Road Chippy ensures thatall their fish come from sustainablesources, where there is no overfishing –ensuring the continuation of the marinepopulation. While it’s not unusual for a restaurantto source some ofBurton Road Chippy can be found on 169 Burton Road, Lincoln, LN1 3LW – and has seating and car parking on site.Both a restaurant and a takeaway, you can call on 01522 575 207, or visit them online at www.burtonroadchippy.co.uk LINCOLNSHIRETODAY53Burton Road ChippyAn award-winning fish and chipsrestaurant in the heart ofLincolnshire, we visited BurtonRoad Chippy to see what thenumber one independent fishand chips restaurant could do. 53_Layout 1 14/09/2015 10:31 Page 154 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYDELICIOUSLY LINCOLNSHIRE DINING AWARDS - PLATINUMOur final set of Dining Awardwinners over the next fewpages are those in ourplatinum category. These arethe places we consider theabsolute cream of the crop.Many of these featured have beenestablished for many years and have astrong reputation that spreads farbeyond Lincolnshire itself. They havebeen at the forefront of the explosionof quality restaurants in the county inrecent years and doubtless played amajor role in luring visitors to thearea.Don’t think the high standards ofdining means the venues are totallyexclusive, formidable establishmentseither. The fabulous food that’s servedin these places is matched with awonderful atmosphere. In Lincolnshirewe’re blessed with all manner ofstunning locations and theestablishments emphasise that, withmarvellous views, spectacular settingsand unique design features. A furtheraspect that has ensured we presentthe venues with our highest accoladeare the friendly staff who are hugelyknowledgeable about the dishes theyserve and can offer a host of helpfulsuggestions on what will suit anytaste.When you visit a DeliciouslyLincolnshire Platinum Award winner,you know you’re going to enjoy anunmatched culinary experience –they truly are sensational! Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETThebestof thebestPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/SEMEN KUZMIN54_Layout 1 14/09/2015 10:32 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY55We look forward to welcoming youPetwood Hotel, Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, LN10 6QG01526 352411 www.petwood.co.uk reception@petwood.co.uk Festive LunchesChristmas Champagne Afternoon TeasChristmas Party NightsSee petwood.co.uk for more Dining in December detailsWhere Christmas memories are madeTHEjenny 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 disappointment.Jenny Wren Inn, East Ferry Road Susworth DN17 3ARTEL 01724 784000 www.jennywreninn.co.uk55_Layout 1 14/09/2015 10:29 Page 1“I’m really excited to show you all thechanges we’ve made here at the Lion.It’s not so much a re-invention as arejuvenation. All the good bits remain; thewarm welcome, friendly staff, great beer,wine, and excellent food.My head chef Mark Perryman and I havecreated a menu that includes our classicRed Lion burger, Rumpole pudding & beer-battered haddock alongside some fantasticnew dishes with influences from all overthe world. All this in an environment thatis now bright and airy but still retains thatrelaxed, welcoming atmosphere.”“I am really proud of what we have achieved and I can’t wait to share it with you” John CorkFor bookings contact John on 01400 272632 or email john@redlioncaythorpe.org.ukwww.redlioncaythorpe.org.uk 62 High Street, Caythorpe, Lincolnshire, NG32 3DNGENEROUS BRITONGOOD FOOD - GOOD BEER - GOOD COMPANYFor bookings contact us 01400 272119 www.thegenerousbriton.co.uk 72 High Street, Brant Broughton, LN5 0RZSteeped in history and set on the HighStreet in the centre of the pretty little villageof Brant Broughton The Generous Briton hasbeen a public house for over 200 years.Proprietors and business partners JohnCork and Jane King are proud of their reputation for providing high quality traditional home-cooked food accompaniedwith well-kept beers and good choice offine wines and spirits. They both have along association with the hospitality tradeto draw on which contributes in no smallway to the relaxed yet efficient running ofthis popular country pub.We look forward to welcoming you to The Generous Briton John and Jane.THEDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET56_Layout 1 14/09/2015 10:30 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY57DELICIOUSLY LINCOLNSHIRE DINING AWARDS - PLATINUMSituated in Lincoln’s historic andbeautiful Bailgate, the White Hart has longbeen a favoured venue to dine and stay.As well as offering a range of luxuryrooms, from standard all the way to king,queen and wedding suites, the hotel isrenowned locally for its restaurant TheLincoln Grille.Offering a lunch and evening menu, aswell as unique specialist menus onoccasion, the restaurant is breathtaking inboth its look and the gastronomic creationsserved there. My companion and I visitedlate one evening to sample the latestofferings, and drink in the elegant décor. For starters I opted for the Ibérico HamSalad, with celeriac remoulade andmanchego cheese. A fresh and softcombination that melted in my mouthwhile still remaining light enough not tobe too filling. My companion chose thesmoked duck salad, which was servedwith apple chutney, deep fried shallotsand parmesan shavings. Well-presentedand rich in flavour, we were left morethan ready for our main course. For the main course my partner decidedto go with the fishof the day while Idecided to beadventurous andgo for the beefwellington for two– a mammoth undertakingconsidering it consists of a14oz fillet steak wrapped in mushroomduxelle and puff pastry. The wellingtonwas incredible, with a rich and heartyfilling, and came served with scrumptiousdauphinoise potatoes and vegetables.Predictably I found myself unable to finishit, it truly is a meal for two – but it wascertainly one of the most enjoyable mealsI have had in a long time. Mycompanion’s fish of the day turned out tobe seabass, which I’m told was soft anddelicious as well as artfully presented onthe plate. Something a lot of restaurantsseem to be forgetting nowadays. Although I’d been unable toaccommodate what should have takentwo people to eat in the first place, therewas still room for dessert. I went with thechocolate trio, an indulgent triumvirate ofTheWhite HartHotelThis autumn we visited the White Hart Hotel inLincoln, to see what they had to offer. The White Hart Hotel is on Bailgate, Lincoln, and to make a reservation, call 01522 563290or visit www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk.hot chocolate fondant, chocolate truffletorte and a white chocolate mousse. Richand creamy, it was a fantastic way to endmy meal and will be a firm favourite thenext time I visit as well. My partnerdecided to compliment her own mealwith the millionaires mousse – a lessnaughty option with a crisp biscuit baseand served with hazelnut sears andsesame tuiles. Without a doubt our meals werefantastic, and the friendly staff at the WhiteHart were only too happy to stop and chatwhile we were waiting, and when the fooddid arrive it was always presented to a highstandard. We’ll definitely be visiting again,as the White Hart are planning to bringout their exciting new menu from the 3rdof October. Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET57_Layout 1 14/09/2015 10:33 Page 158 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYDELICIOUSLY LINCOLNSHIRE DINING AWARDS - PLATINUMDespite the elegant starkness of itsexterior, with classy typeface on whitewalls, the interior is plush, extravagantand convivial. The exposed ceiling beamsplay off the vibrant colour scheme thatwas uniform down to the tiniest detail. Itwas a welcoming preface to our mealthat followed. It was a tall order trying to pick asingle dish from the impressive startermenu, but fortunately my diningcompanion was able to order my secondchoice. I was tempted by the wild boarand pistachio terrine, which made for anespecially delectable display on the platewith the green of the pistachioscontrasting the gamey shade of themeat. The accompaniments, which werekept simple with a chutney, salad andgranary bread, let the terrine speak foritself. My companion went for goatscheese fritters, presented with an artyflair on the plate. The accompanyingsalad and balsamic glaze made for asweet counterpoint to the tangy cheese. If the starter menu trumped us with itsdiversity, then then head chef John Clarkeoutdid himself with the mains. Returnvisits are a must, just to work through themenu. This time around I opted for thescallops and prawns, which were arevelation served with bubble and squeakand bacon. It made for a preciselybalanced forkful that really brought homethe possibilities of pairing pork andseafood. The steak my companionplumped for was a celebration of locallyreared beef, in this case an aged maturedsirloin cooked medium rare and servedwith onion rings, tomatoes andmushrooms. Dessert presented the greatestchallenge of the evening, and trying tonarrow down our choices to two wascertainly difficult. In the end we decidedon the chocolate sharing platter, whichwas every bit as indulgent and unctuousas it sounds. Included was a chocolatemousse, white chocolate brulee, hotchocolate pudding, ice creams, coffeechocolate éclair and more besides, alldusted with cocoa powder and servedwith raspberries and gooseberries tooffset the heady chocolate. Like the exterior itself, the meals werewell presented but popping with flavourand pizazz, without scrimping on portionsize. The staff were sharply dressed andfriendly throughout our meal. And withall the presentation and quality food, itcame as little surprise that the restaurantwas completely full of customers, even at6:30 on a Tuesday. For information or to book a table,call 01529 305743 or visitwww.thequeensheadinn.com. The Queen’s HeadInn, Sleaford With a swathe of awards and accolades under its belt, we dropped in toThe Queen’s Head Inn to try their latest menu.Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET58_Layout 1 14/09/2015 10:33 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY59DELICIOUSLY LINCOLNSHIRE DINING AWARDS - PLATINUMAward winning fine dining restaurant with 14 luxury bedrooms set in the ambient surroundings of a Grade II listed windmill.Weddings • Corporate Events • Private FunctionsFor more information please visit our websitetelephone 01724 277774 email info@sanpietro.uk.com 11 High Street East, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 6UHwww.sanpietro.uk.comAs featured in the Michelin Guide 2015THE PERFECT BOUTIQUE DESTINATIONThe AA regularly inspect and rate over2,000 B&B’s throughout the country,and hold an annual award ceremonythat recognises and honours theexcellent services provided by the UK’svery best. This year, Lincolnshire’s ownSan Pietro, A Scunthorpe-based B&B haswon a top award, as well as two otherrosettes from the AA.San Pietro is a unique Restaurant withRooms, offering 14 luxury boutiquebedrooms, each stylishly decorated witheye catching and unusual wallpapers,alongside feature furniture and limitedrelease artwork. It is this catchy stylethat has earned San Pietro the coveted`Funkiest B&B of the Year 2015` award,cementing their place at the top againstSan Pietro namedfunkiest B&B of the yearThe AA has named Scunthorpe-based San Pietro, as their funkiest B&Bof the year 2015, along with winning two other rosettes. thousands of other venues across theentire country. Beyond winning the funkiest B&B ofthe year Award, San Pietro also has twoAA rosettes for the quality of theirrestaurant including an award forCulinary Excellence, and a 4-star ratingaward. In response to the award, OwnerPietro Catalano said: “We are absolutelythrilled to be named the AA FunkiestB&B, we are so passionate about whatwe have created and this accolade is afantastic reward for the whole team whohave all made a tremendous effort toturn out dream for San pietro into areality. We are so proud to be puttingScunthorpe on the `AA` map.” To visit in person you can find San Pietro at11 High Street East, Scunthorpe, DN15 6UH,or to reserve a seat or book a room call01724 277 744. The restaurant, including themenus, can also be viewed online atwww.sanpietro.uk.com – where there is alsoan extensive gallery of the restaurant, therooms and the food. 59_Layout 1 14/09/2015 10:34 Page 1Next >