We were offered some bread to start, this was good if not spectacular and should have been served warm. The waiters and waitresses were sweet but it felt like they were new and slightly nervous. I had the option to have the wine pairings but Mrs Bacon put her food down at driving me home inebriated so it was just a couple of beers for me sadly. (Good beer though).
The taster menu was as follows:
Soup Velouté of English Pumpkin and Parmesan, Foie Gras Hot Dog. Gorgeous hearty soup but with a twist; a light fluffy foamy layer on the top and hidden bits at the bottom. The Foie Gras Hot Dog is a brilliant idea but in practice was a disappointment. This was because it was covered in breadcrumbs rendering the whole thing quite dry and losing the rich foie gras taste in the mix.
Hand Dived Scallops Tandoori Roast, Gammon and Pineapple, Pork Pie Sauce.
I loved the scallops, delicate, soft and sweet, they worked perfectly with the texture of the crunchy pork. But I didn't need the pineapple with the gammon, the meat was lovely but I'm not a fan of anything sweet and savoury, although I appreciate the nod to 1970's cuisine. (Mrs. B disagrees she's asked me to point out).
Roe Deer Roast Loin and Tartare, Parsnip, Pear and Stilton, Smoked Chocolate. A beautifully realised dish especially the fresh clean tartare. All the little elements, the purées and blue cheese worked so well. Loved it.
Nidderdale Lamb Roast Rump and Kofta, Chargrilled Aubergine, Mint and Yoghurt. Another real winner with both of us. The quality of the lamb was excellent, really really lovely. The other elements again were perfect. I asked Mrs B for a bit of hers as I'd finished, and she begrudgingly gave me a tiny bit about 2mm square. There's no greater compliment I can give than that.
Old English Apples Millefeuille, Brown Butter Ice Cream. Superb. Light crispy pastry and lovely attention to detail. An absolute delight.
Soufflé Pistachio, Macaroon, Hot Chocolate Sauce. Technically very good, so light and fluffy and truly delicious. Loved the theatre of pouring the chocolate inside. As good as the one we had at Le Gavroche. It was really big though! It could easily be half that size.
Coffee and Homemade Treats.
We were impressed with chef Steven Smith's cooking, it's come on even from our last visit. The interior is pretty much exactly my perfect country pub, I wish they'd have started a fire in the grate though, it would have been even cosier. The service was quite slow and needed to step up a bit and bring some warmth to proceedings, (more of a personal touch makes a huge difference). But the team seem quite young and new, so I'm sure they will grow into it.
There are many pubs that have reputations for good food, but this is a unique place we think, as it offers a perfect balance of hearty local produce but with an extra sophistication you don't often see. Highly recommended.
*Freemasons at Wiswell was recently rated the highest ranking British pub in The Sunday Times 'Food List'.
Atmosphere: Beautiful Country pub.
Food: Excellent.
Star dish: Nidderdale Lamb.
Score: N/A
To see the earlier review click here.
To see the photos in hi res here.
Soundtrack; Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths.
* I didn't pay for this meal, but I always tell the truth see here.

No comments:
Post a Comment