Bapi

Well sadly, it is true, they are looking to close Hibiscus in Ludlow. I have it on very good authority that Claire and Claude are actively looking to move south to set up a new venture - although that doesn't necessarily mean the heart of London. But wherever they move to - it will be when they are ready to and are confident that there new surroundings are just what they want. In other words - they will be in Ludlow for sometime to come, whilst potential offers are considered. I will be the first to admit that I adore Ludlow as a town- but half of the draw of the place has always been eating at Shaun's Merchant House and Claude and Claire's gaff. So - like Matt- I wonder how this will impact on Ludlow's foodie reputation. Having said that, Claire and Claude are a bright, ambitious and driven couple, who need a fresh challenge; having achieved all that they can within Ludlow. And it is probably no small measure of their calibre as employers that their entire team are willing to move with them, to help them realise their dream. Now whilst I agree in a small part with what naebody is saying about Hibiscus having a loyal following locally and being yet another restaurant in an oversaturated market in London. I don't agree that Claude's food is not sufficently different to create its own buzz. I agree Bond Traders( who incidentally, couldn't tell the difference between a Consomme and a Knorr Cup-a-Soup) may well be their bread and butter, in terms of customers - but I know of sufficent Southern "foodie" types who write on boards or just like visiting restaurants - who have just not been arsed travelling up to Ludlow in the past. Now they will get the opportunity to try his food a little closer to home (the lazy bastards- sorry that just slipped out ) In any case, this is all conjecture - we don't know where they will end up yet and it could well be some time before they sell and manage to locate to somewhere they like in the South . But I admire them for having the sparkly cojones to push pessimism aside and do what they believe is right. Who out of any of us who write here- wants to be given an opportunity, that one then doesn't take up, only to look back in 10 years and think- Bugger I wish I hadn't given it a go - but it's a bit too late now? I say- Good luck and every conceivable success to them.

Cheeky Bastard And Scott- sorry I forgot to tell you. I spoke to Claire recently about our September booking. I am afraid that you won't now be able to join us. It appears that their dress code is now very strict and bald Millwall fan looalikes are no longer welcome. They tend to unerve the locals.

Not if it's London- we moved away a year ago. But if it's anywhere near Manchester- now that would be a different story. Although there is more chance of Gary Marshall dipping his hand in his wallet to get a round in, than that happening.

NOOOOOOOOOO Back there for a couple of meals in September- hopefully not our last time, before they move.

I agree - both are Inns with rooms- very strange. An unexpected visit here yesterday. We had been heading to the Sportsman down the road, and with the squawking 19 month old in tow, we thought a formal meal might not be conducive to a relaxed afternoon. However, we popped in a for a look and thought what the hell. They were very welcoming and offered a choice of a table in a snug or one on the patio by the paddock and stream at the back of the Inn. It’s a very handsome inn set by the village green and is easily reached by a lovely drive, past a reservoir en-route from Pateley Bridge. We let the little horror run around in the paddock whilst we enjoyed a drink of Champagne for her and water for me. Accompanied by some nice, small cheese scones which arrived and then some truly excellent bread- cheese, roasted flour (I think), white and granary which had shards of raisins embedded with it. We started with an amuse of Vichyssoise, with pearls of caviar floating around within it. Nicely seasoned , good depth of flavour and a sensible option to serve during the current heat wave. I chose a starter of Smoked Salmon, served with Whitby crab and pickled cucumber. Fresh, light and rich bound crab , was cut through by the delicately sharp cucumber. A nice dish. The missus went for a cheese soufflé, served unusually with scallops and a pea puree. She liked it and the little morsel of soufflé I was offered was very nice. We both opted for squab for our main courses. These were beautifully cooked and served with some gnocchi- flavoured with rosemary, roasted butternut squash, sweet beetroot, and spinach. A really excellent dish of which I left nothing. WE didn’t opt for dessert primarily because and here in lies my one criticism- service as Bertie indicated , was very slow. It took ten minutes for anyone to take our amuse glasses away, despite staff walking past out table umpteen times. There was another interminable wait before our main courses arrived which meant that with infant in tow a further wait, was not viable for us to enjoy desserts. A shame we very much enjoyed our food and look forward to going back. The rooms look wonderful now too as I know Gary was not thrilled with his a few years back - but it seems there has been a major refurbishment of the bedrooms since then. They are offering a combined dinner and stay over package on Saturday nights at the moment- which we are very tempted by- providing Granny can baby-sit. With four glasses of wine and water the bill came to a not unreasonable £81.

Since when did you become Jacques Cousteau?

Thought as much- Ta.

Nice review Matt. Sounded like great day out- bar the train episode at the end. What fish would you say the ray was similar to, in terms of texture and flavour. I have never seen it on a menu before?

Yes I noticed the change a while back. They have added a couple of extra suites, in what I think used to be Michel Roux's residence and have launched a cookery school as well. And likewise- must start saving up too.

That's absolute testicles Andy. Heinz tomato ketchup is an absolute must. Agree about the white bread though- wholemeal bread is like sawdust.

I am afraid I do not agree. We ate at Claridge's the day before the first series of Hell's Kitchen aired and in which Seargant was heavily involved. I think his guiding hand would have been welcome, on the night we dined, as we were served overcooked scallops. And frankly, cherry tomatoes being used in the amuse course and then two courses later, smacked of laziness. Highly average and at £65 a head for the tasting menu back then - it really shouldn't have been.

June, what have you done? All this talk of Norfolk has made me a book a weekend in August A few links for you. Morston Hall The Victoria at Holkham Hoste Arms Fishes- Burnham Market Lord Nelson- A rubbish web page I am afraid. White Horse - Brancaster Staithe The Lifeboat Inn Enjoy

Why can't more places do this? We are having dinner here tonight, with a skinny fop from Cornwall. Just had a look on the website at the menu- which is updated daily, and have already selected what I want to eat tonight. Ham Hock Faggot to begin, followed by the Beef Wellington me thinks. Millbank

Apologies for the tardy response June. I have been away stuffing my fat face in Ludlow . As I wrote I can certainly help with North Norfolk- which, if you have never visited is quite beautiful. So I would suggest that you shoot up the A 140 to Cromer and then head West on the A 149, towards Hunstanton. En-route you wil pass Morston Hall- which I would recommend. It's a NO choice menu - but we enjoyed Blackiston's cooking very much. You will then pass The Victoria at Holkham- also, very much worth a look. An interior which harks back to the Raj and confident cooking to boot. The beach, down the lane opposite is fabulous and was used for the closing scene of Shakespeare in Love. Continuing West- head in land to Burnham Market or Chelsea-on-Sea, as it also known. You have two real choices The Hoste Arms as Bakerstates suggests. I am not a huge fan - all three meals I have eaten there over the last ten years have been average- and the service very poor on our last visit. A much better bet is Fishes - which I have posted about on here. Be warned it is solely a fish restaurant, so if one of your party hankers after red meat you will need to warn them in advance. The chef is ex Stein's Seafood Restaurant and Noble Rot in London. Close by is a rather nice pub The Lord Nelson in Burnham Thorpe - which was where Nelson was born. The food there is also very good. Continuing along the A149 - you will reach Brancaster Staithe and the fabulous White Horse. The views from the balcony and conservatory at the back are superb and the food, although predominantly seafood, is eclectic, yet confidently handled. Finally - another pub worth a look is the famous Lifeboat Inn in Thornham. A 16th century Smuggler's inn. Although I am likely to be biased as we had our wedding reception there. Have fun and let us know - how you got on.

Plenty June- But all in the North Norfolk region, where we holiday each year. Can you give me a hint as to near where you are staying?

The Feversham Arms has had a complete overhaul under new owner Simon Rhatigan. And very attractive it is too. Popped in and had a look ( whilst lunching at the Star last year) but have yet to venture in and try the food. Well worth a look I would say. I think it even picked up an award at the Northern Restaurant awards. Thom?

Bloody hell Yin. You go girl. Such unselfish behaviour for our benefit. Are you sure you are not taking this "training for the Padstow trip" next weekend a bit too far love?

A wise and sensible man.

Are you sure Sadie? I find the Landlord a tad pompous and over opinionated No, it's fabulous and we are long overdue a return. J Bakers Bistro Moderne is a very recent addition to the dining scene in York. Also if viable for you to get to, on the way there/ back.I think The Millbank in West Yorkshire is excellent and it's very close to the M62, which is on the way to Leeds and York.

sounds a bit suitist. which way round does it work - if you wear a suit, you can't be a "foodie" or if you're a "foodie", you can't wear a suit? ← Not really algy. Have I touched a nerve there? I was simply pointing out that there will probably be a higher precentage of people interested in the food alone on a Saturday lunchtime, as opposed to during the business week when Suits will abound. But you are probabaly right. I used to despise, braying, expense account Suits, even when I used to be one.

Well there are always going to be a few suits I am afraid. But that really shouldn't stop you from going. I have only ever been on Saturday lunchtimes so have been surrounded by like-minded foodie types rather than suits. And spending four hours over a lunch at Anthony's is far more agreeable than traipsing around the shops on a wet saturday afternoon, isn't it? Olga will look after you and your little one, so ignore your other half and make sure you go.

Hi Yin, haven't been on-line recently so missed this. Glad you enjoyed it so much. We haven't yet been back, partly because they didn't have the courtesy to respond to an e-mail I sent them, but we do intend to quite soon. Will let you know when and perhaps we can meet up. And yes. I am splendid.

Someone, who wasn't quite as impressed with the Hotpot as others. Mr Maj That crab dish looks wonderful though. Edit- I seem to have hijacked the Red Chilli thread- perhaps Bar Shu should have its own thread.

Thanks Gavin. We, er, may have had a little trip to Orford on the Suffolk coast a couple of weeks back. I think I said above that we really loved the Crown, much more so than the Angel where we were staying. The atmosphere and feel of the place was fabulous and the staff cheery and gracious on our visit. I noticed the glass encased winestore and liked it as a feature, but fear we didn't manage to give the wine list a decent outing on that occasion. Shame on me. But thanks for the heads up for future visits. If the Crown could incoroprate rooms as well, it would certainly give the nearby Angel and the White Hart a run for their money.

Only caught part of the programme today, but I did see the bit where Simon Rimmer went to Cartmel to try Sticky Toffee Pudding at the famous village shop. We bought a couple when we popped in after lunch at L'Enclume. Jesus they are rich, but utterly fabulous. They also sell a sticky toffee sauce to go with it- which is equally as rich. Not the sort of dish one would mention to one's Cardiologist.