Wednesday 24 June 2015

The Shoulder of Mutton, Ramsbottom.

I crossed off an ambition recently by designing a pub sign (logo and branding) for The Shoulder of Mutton up in Ramsbottom. I was commissioned for photography too which is great as I really wanted to integrate the two to produce a whole package.
Head Chef Chris Yates has returned home after a year or so with a brand new grazing menu. The  cynics amongst you may cry bias at this review but the dishes looked so good that we had to return on Friday as paying customers. (I rarely eat when working). In any case I've previously said that I think Chris is one of the best chefs in the North West and these small plates below were the most accomplished food we've ever had at The Shoulder.
Coincidentally the dishes we sampled were actually new additions since I did the shoot. Chris is still perfecting and tweaking the menu as some things naturally sell more than others. (Sadly the Haddock Scotch eggs had to go as nobody wanted them). They've also had to integrate the grazing menu into the a la carte as it was taking too long to explain to older customers who perhaps are not so used to tapas style eating.
Sweet Potato Soup. Potato nuggets, roasted cumin, curry oil. 
This is a gift from the chef. It is absolutely gorgeous, whipped up silky and bubbly with just the right touch of crunchy potatoes and spice. We're proper impressed already.
We're going along to Levanter later for some steak and tortilla, creating a wonderful Ramsbottom taster menu that few local restaurants could actually match! So we opt for some lighter fish dishes. It's a wise choice, Chris shows a delicate touch way beyond most chefs in our regions pubs. (He has worked at the likes of Michelin starred Northcote amongst others). The Cornish Crab with Asparagus, Radish, Fennel and Cucumber (£8) is beautiful and fresh.
Roast Onion & Artichoke Risotto, Violet Artichoke, Pecorino and Onion Caramel (£12) is a tad too sweet although the texture of the risotto is bang on.
We both love the Salmon with Roast Cauliflower, Cous Cous & Curry Flavours (£7).
Chris takes great pride in his plating, presentation is polished and the flavours are always spot on. Look at this one, beautiful, Yellison Goats Cheese Mousse, Baby Beetroot and gel with toasted seeds and watercress (£6).
You can go the The Shoulder of Mutton and get standard pub food if you want and I guess many do. They have to appeal to a wide section of locals who just want to go in for a burger or a butty at lunchtime. But you'd be missing out on what we reckon is some of the finest food you can get in a pub in the north west. The new logo doesn't look too bad either.
*Sadly Chef Chris Yates has since left The Shoulder so I cannot recommend it.

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1 comment:

  1. Must give this place a try. Stunning photography as always Scott!

    www.hungrytravelstyle.com

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