Eating Out

With all the visitors we've had lately we've tried a few restaurants and I thought people might be interested in the results.

First a place that isn't really a restaurant, but of which Bonnie is very fond and all our American visitors have loved: The Old Forge at Cranford (http://theoldforgecranford.com/). It's what it says, an old forge, restored into a tea-shop. The food is very pleasant,  the helpings more than adequate, and the welcome warm. If the weather is nice, it is pleasant to sit outside. It's a very pleasant place for a late breakfast, a not-so-lite lunch, or afternoon tea.

Now for the restaurants. The Red Lion at East Haddon (http://www.redlioneasthaddon.co.uk/) has an enviable reputation, and has recently opened a cookery school. We've been twice lately, and each time the food was excellent. But on the second occasion the service was in melt-down. Bonnie had to send her steak back as it was not cooked to her specification, the two people at the table opposite got their main courses at a wide interval, and the party on the table next to me had a nightmare experience. The usual Head Waiter was on duty and was properly apologetic, but it seemed to me that the rest of the staff were under-trained short-notice stand-ins. That can happen. Who knows what had caused the regular staff to be absent. The first time we were there it was excellent all round, so I hope this was a one off. The food is so good we're bound to go back for another try in the not too distant future.

I've long enjoyed The Samuel Pepys at Slipton (http://www.samuel-pepys.com/). Once again the food was wonderful – we had a table full of American guests who were all full of praise for it. Sadly here too there was a service issue. Once the full party had arrived no-one appeared to take our order or even look to our need for drinks. After 10-15 minutes I button-holed the passing manager who took our order with a scowling visage and made no attempt to make us feel welcome or to express his regret at the lack of service so far. However, once the normal waiting staff took over, everything went like clockwork and the young man who seemed to be responsible for our table was charm and efficiency rolled into one.

Next, an unqualified success – The Cock at Hemingford Grey (http://www.thecockhemingford.co.uk/) – a little further than we normally go, but easy enough on the A14 and the extra standard they achieve more than repays the effort. They won the National Dining Pub of the Year last year and won the regional stage again this year. I'd very much like to see somewhere that can beat them. The menu is very interesting, the wine list likewise, the food is excellent, and the service as good as I have had at Michelin Starred restaurants. It is impossible to imagine the kind of cock-up described in the two pubs above happening here. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them warmly to my friends.

I'll be eating at The Falcon at Fotheringhay (http://www.thefalcon-inn.co.uk/) and The Plough at Bolnhurst (http://www.bolnhurst.com/)soon. Watch for my assessments!