Jim's Yard is just about the most exciting thing to have happened to Stamford's cuisine since... well I don't know when.
Nicholas Rudd-Jones went to check it out on the opening night
People had high hopes for the Oak House a couple of years ago, but Jim's Yard is different, because it is a family business, with the owners James and Sharon Trevor on site almost all the time, and because they have already established a good food reputation, having run the Jackson Stops Inn at Stretton until very recently, where they were awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand (good food at moderate prices).
Jim's Yard is tucked away in a courtyard on the east side of Ironmonger Street just behind Paul Johnson Estate Agents (he was also trying it out on opening night with family and friends). The restaurant itself has a conservatory eating area and bar on the ground floor, two eating areas on the first floor and a courtyard. It has been lovingly finished in a mix of classic and modern styles, the metal stairs and cool lighting offset by oak beams and old photos of Stamford.
The food reaches all the highs that we became accustomed to at the Jackson Stops.The menu is pleasingly straightforward, with six starters and six mains on offer. I began with a classic pea soup, of exactly the right consistency and full of flavour. My companion had the Seared Scallops in Mornay sauce, which were unfussily presented.
For the main my companion chose the Seared Salmon Fillet on Broad Bean Risotto, whilst I tried Roast Rump of Lamb with Root Veg and Savoy Cabbage.The mains were both very successful, exactly the right amount, the vegetables cooked to perfection and the fish and meat ingredient in each case the main star of the show.
Desserts were sticky and indulgent as they should be, followed by very reasonably priced coffee at £2.
The restaurant was more or less full on the first night, which shows the reputation of the Trevors and the keenness of Stamfordians to try new eating establishments. We think they will be here to stay - not least because James installed a massive Maestro Bonnet cooker in his premises that cost over £30,000!! (Raymond Blanc also uses one) and took six men to lift in through the window!
'In a nutshell' Great food, simply presented in a charming atmosphere
Head Chef James Trevor
A 'signature dish' Fillet of Pork, Apple Mash, Red Cabbage and Black Pudding
Average bill for 2 £60 (inc. drinks & tip)
Special features A great bar area, and upstairs a wine cabinet
Opening times Tue-Sat , serving 11.30-2.00 and 6.30-9.30
Contact details 3 Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080
