Nicola Noblet discovers that under new ownership the cooking has been transformed at this well-known Great Casterton landmark
In my opinion, this restaurant is quite deceptive. From the outside, although work has been done to improve the exterior, you would never in your wildest dreams imagine the quality of the food being created inside.
The décor is modern and slightly rustic, the ceilings are low in the dining room and with an open fire, the atmosphere is extremely cosy. The specials board is a treat just to read ranging from Steak and Handmade Chips to a more decadent Monkfish Tail in a Champagne and Pink Peppercorn Sauce.
Peter Lane was previously the Head Chef at The Falcon at Fotheringhay and before that at The Haycock Hotel in Wansford, so he has experience and pedigree.
Peter likes to focus heavily on local produce, he buys his honey, cheese and sausages from Melton Markets and the trout is fished from Rutland Water. After eating lunch there it is apparent that everything is as fresh as it can get.
As a pub they serve local ales, serve sandwiches and homemade soups, as a restaurant they provide a high quality well thought-out menu, the common denominator being that everything is freshly homemade and a delight to eat.
In the light of this, I allowed Peter to choose the starter for me and to my delight he brought me two; Smoked Bacon, Roasted Red Onion and Goat’s Cheese Tart and a classic dish of Moules Mariniere. I didn’t want to mention that I’m not the greatest fan of Goat’s Cheese but I didn’t have to because the Tart was my favourite, however the Mussels have to get a mention for the delicious cream and white wine sauce they were served in.
For main I chose The Slow Roasted Belly of Pork with Homemade Hash brown, Char grilled Courgettes and Roasted Red Peppers. This is a dish that really worked - the crunchy hash brown beautifully complemented the soft pork and with the sweetness of the vegetables and a smoky barbeque sauce this is a combination you simply have to try.
If you can imagine eating anymore after all of the above, my dessert was a Bread & Butter Pudding made with Local Ketton Honey, excellent!
It was great to eat food of this standard in such a relaxed environment; children are welcome so it’s a family option just as much as a lunch with the girls or a quiet dinner for two.
The Plough Inn factfile
In a nutshell Once you’ve finished reading this, book a table!
Head chef Peter Lane
A ‘signature’ dish Sunday Lunch
(Don’t forget to book)
Typical price for two, including wine and tip 3 Courses approximately £45
Special features Restaurant available to hire for functions & large Beer Garden
Opening times – Lunch 12-2.30/Dinner 6-9.30 Tues until Saturday
Contact details The Plough Inn, Main Street, Great Casterton. Tel: 01780 762178
Does Stamford need another pub? For me the answer is an emphatic ‘Yes’, when it comes packaged as The King’s Head does. It has the unbeatable combination of a central location, a well restored historic building, friendly bar staff, very well kept beer and, best of all, character.
The King’s Head has it all – timber floors, a low, timber beamed ceiling, a wood burning fire, two generously-sized bay window seats for larger groups and a few (but not to many) small tables seating 2-4 people. I get the feeling of being cocooned in a building which is a piece of Stamford history, with its current use being a pub. But what of it’s past? Maybe some of the original property deeds framed and on the wall for all to study give us a clue.
As well as having character, a good pub should have atmosphere and again, for me, The King’s Head has got it. Atmosphere is an ethereal thing, created by different influences. The King’s Head atmosphere is friendliness – created by Graham Perkins and Julie Lane, Landlord and Landlady. Always ready with a friendly word and keen for you to sample their range of beers and wine before choosing.
Oh, the beer! Two regulars; Fullers London Pride and Green King’s Abbot Ale, plus a third choice alternating between Black Sheep and Woodfordes Wheery. Finally a different guest beer every time tops off an excellent selection, which is amongst the best kept beer in Stamford. The selection of wine is not extensive, but is well chosen and you can try before you buy – now how accommodating is that!
Lunches are also served – soup, sandwiches/baguettes, jacket potatoes, plus regular hot meals and whatever is on the Specials Board. Puddings plus coffee/tea. All excellent, very well presented and sensibly priced.
For the summer there is a small Mediterranean courtyard to be enjoyed – can’t wait!
The King’s Head, 19 Maiden Lane, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2AZ Tel: 01780 764344