david goodfellow

Thom, Thanks for the tip off. Someone is quoting a 33% discount on the Facebook page. I phoned to ask and was told the manager will phone me back. As you may be aware I pay my own way, and with hotel, travelling expenses,etc,etc, it costs me a bomb on incidentals never mind the cost of the meal, so any freebie bits help. By following quite a few of the London bloggers I have gleened knowledge that soft openings usually qualify for up to 50% discount, that is the norm. However you have to be in the know somewhat. Waiting for that call now.

Yep, it looked good when I read about it in manchester confidential. So much so that I phoned straight away to get a soft opening table. One was available, but no soft opening offers were, so I decided not to bust a gut to get over there and just let it bed in a bit. May just give it a whirl, but London's calling I'm afraid, so it won't be for a while yet.

Bookings are now being taken by e-mail, with telephone lines open on 6th June. I have my table booked and am really looking forward to it. Opening day looks on the cards to be 16th June, no idea when the website will be up, although I do know the menus will be five or ten courses. Not sure on prices at all. Bring it on. info@roganics.co.uk.

Strange as it may seem I googled mapped this yesterday and it gave nearly five hours journey time. I was looking to tie in a visit to Michelin starred Elephant in Torquay but the journey time between the two is another two hours. It would have to be a mini holiday to justify that sort of journey. Even by my standards it seems a bridge too far. Personally I think the dishes look simplistic and I regard top quality product as paramount in fish cookery, something that Nathan Outlaw should have in abundance given the restaurant's location. Clearly taste is all at this level. Not entirely convinced with the look of those desserts though. Thanks for the report MalO.

Not very long after upsetting two Michelin starred Marcus Wareing about their dining experience at his eponymous Knightsbridge restaurant, another top Michelin man is getting flak too. Michael Caines, another two star Michelin giant, who's Gidleigh Park restaurant is currently active on this forum, is under the cosh for a meal served yesterday. Twitter is alive with activity. Critical Couple Twitter Michael Caines Twitter This is the blog post What are your thoughts?

Well, we returned here for lunch yesterday after a very long absence. In fact as we entered I noticed a plaque on the wall from Egon Ronay's now long defunct Cellnet guide, which stated that they had won restaurant of the year in 1995. For those who remember the great man, this was one guide that I really rated and I followed it religiously year after year. Perhaps this was about the last time that we ate here, and unlike me the interior looks like it has changed little, and like a lot of Country House Hotels it feels like its lost in a time warp. The lounge area is not too comfy a place to sit, it needs updating. You know what they say about places though don't you? They need people. Perhaps that was the missing ingredient also, as apart from us a couple of ladies took another table. We were offered some green olives and nuts, skipped drinks, because I was driving of course, and went through to the dining room. The three, three, three, lunch menu was as described above, which was a shame as I would have liked to have tried something different. This was the only menu on offer and I can understand why, as the place was hardly buzzing. A tasty little bowl of Gazpacho was the amuse. Bang on for summer although the weather was a bit dull outside. Bread was decent, and a choice of four which included, sourdough, tomato, ciabatta, and granary. I did take photos but my new Nikon camera is taking a bit of getting used too so the pictures were blurred and not worth posting. Twice baked Stinking Bishop cheese souffle served with a hazelnut salad and poached figs was the other halfs dish which was just ok. However the souffle itself was crusty and heavy, not at all as light as expected. My choice Home cured Beef parmesan custard, herb ice cream, garden leaves, lemon olive oil has already been described above. So I will not expand on that. Just to add that I also enjoyed it too. Note the Heritage tomatoes which were nice and tasty. From the mains we added an extra course and took it as a fish course between starters and mains proper. Selection of Pan Fried Fish The chef thoughtfully plated this dish separately for us. Each bowl featured Grilled John Dory, langoustine, wild asparagus, and baby fennel, all holding court atop a verdant wild garlic risotto. It did state on the menu, "red wine reduction". It was not evident in the eating or indeed in the photo. Also I was expecting a bit more flavour from the fish than it delivered, however overall the dish was good. Roast breast of Poussin consisted of confit leg, potato and egg yolk ravioli, English asparagus, and a red wine sauce. This ate rather well and as has been mentioned already, a decent portion, not some begging for more, pittance on a plate. My wifes main was simpicity itself, Roast saddle of Lamb and crispy Tongue goats cheese pomme puree, baby artichokes, and broad beans. Decent Lamb, decent everything really. I needed more than a few little forkfulls to make true comment though. Desserts next (and no pre dessert) Mille-Feuille of Raspberry & Tarragon, raspberry sorbet, crunchy meringue was right up my street. Note the dehydrated raspberries which added a welcome crunch and intensity. Looking more like a tranche of black pudding and slivers of cheddar cheese the other dessert was Chocolate fondant banana & creme fraiche ice cream, dehydrated lime curd. More my wife than me, she enjoyed it, and said so between spoonfuls. As has been stated above this is solid cooking on a par with a few Michelin meals that we have eaten. Certainly not exciting or fresh but worthy of a not too far away visit. Yes you could argue that its only the lunch menu, however we eat loads of lunches at Michelin places and know what to expect. An all singing and dancing tasting menu was not on offer in any event, but even if it were I would not have chosen it, as personally I am becoming bored with tasting menus, and most are overpriced for what they are. I suppose one of the problems facing restaurateurs, especially of out of the way country house hotels is pricing, and how to fill your restaurant. If I could answer that question I would have been a consultant, not a customer. But whilst on the subject, if this place were to be in the Capital it would still be empty for lunch as there is just so much competition at early to mid twenty price range. Charging £33.50 for a three course lunch must put off all but the strong admirers and I wonder if there is any local lunch trade at all. In conversation with the two other diners, they had travelled from Derby to find out what the place was about and by their own admission were very infrequent diners at this level and I guess they may never return. By making a comparison to Northcote Manor, albeit a bit longer journey wise, their lunch is quite frankly a steal and I may just feel a bit guilty next time that I walk through the door. Having said that of course its not all about money or value , to most people its what is on their doorstep that counts as very few would travel the crazy miles that we do to eat. All in all I would give this place another go. On a summers day the gardens are worth a stroll, especially the kitchen garden where they try to grow as much as possible for the restaurant. Service was pleasant and friendly, but I would like the dishes explained to me, especially when a menu is not at hand. Two times three course lunches @ £33.50, extra fish course £12, three glasses of Pinot Noir, £18, no coffees, tap water, Total including tip £105.

Its ages ago since I ate here. Ten or more years at the very least, when Max was cooking. Not had any desire whatsoever to return, but I will give it a try again and report back. With photos of course.

All in all I think that is a pretty decent review. I dare say a fair few more fillies will be trotting their to get a glimpse and a "taste" of him.

Looking forward to this weeks offering, with three Michelin men in the kitchen, and only one, Phil Thompson whose food that I have not eaten before. Can't say its not for the want of trying. It looks a splendid place, Auberge du Lac. The other two are Tom's, Kerridge and Aikins Btw Jason Atherton is judging this week. Hope it lives up to the promise.

Well, it was a dull old morning in middle England and it just seemed the right idea to seek out a decent lunch. Even a round of eggy bread, duck eggy bread, more to the point, did not take the craving away. I viewed a few menus online, primed the wife that we had a bit of a journey in front of us, and decided which way to turn on the M6, left or right. In truth I had another reason for dining that day, having treated myself to a new Nikon camera. I wanted to see how it compared with my almost new Canon. The one that my wife pointed out seemed to be a bit of a waste of money especially now that I had bought another one. I fancied the Northcote selection most, but having secured a table was informed that the menus were to be changed that day. No worries, I could go with that. Lisa Allen was in the kitchen and I knew I was in good hands. We chose the remarkably good value seasonal menu, which had a downloadable voucher giving £5 per person discount of the £26 price. Stunning value, especially as it includes coffee and mini eccles cakes. We were served a dip of fresh from their garden, pea mousse with some crispy cheesy straws. Bread was good with a choice of four, I chose the cheese and an onion variation of the same. My wifes starter read well, Goosnargh Chicken Ravioli, wild mushrooms, Truffle and crispy skin. It read perhaps a bit better than it tasted, the flavours being a bit muted according to her. I had a taste and it seemed not too bad to me, perhaps not hitting any high notes though. I was looking forward to my oriental influenced starter of Treacle cured Salmon, pickled ginger, coriander and beansprouts.We have had a decent bit of Salmon recently and I was eager to see how this compared. It ate rather well, especially with the treacle cure, and was topped with some crispy Langoustines, which were to appear in another dish that we were about to try also. The forest of micro herbs added interest. The little zingy hits of pickled ginger, and the spring onion added another dimension to the dish, but the salmon was the star. We took the next course as an extra main, which we split at the table. It would have been easier if we were given a small plate each to eat from, instead of having to eat only from the main plate in the centre of the table. Slow cooked Wester Ross Salmon, crispy Langoustines, cauliflower and chervil (£14). We were both slightly disappointed with this dish. The salmon was decent, however it appeared unseasoned and as such it was not allowed to shine. It sat on a bed of spinach which was well seasoned, and this helped it along a bit. The crispy skin added a bit of visual, but really did not taste of much at all. I chose the manly sounding Fillet and Cheek of Gloucester Old Spot Pork, Tomato and pod vegetables, Smoked Jowl. I did not get any smokeyness from the Jowl, although in fairness i was not looking for any. We ate Pork fillet at home the previous night with a peppercorn sauce, thats why my wife chose another dish. I wanted to compare the fillet, and ours was surprisingly more tender and equally as tasty. So no premium prices for Gloucester Old Spot for me then. Don't get me wrong the dish was very enjoyable with plenty of flavour, each bit on the plate doing their bit. We had for me, what seemed to be a decent bottle of Argentinean Malbec (£24.50) Although wine is not my forte, I do know what I like, and I liked this. Rib of Rose English Veal, Formby Asparagus, Crushed Jersey Royals, Tarragon. sounds like a shopping list for a posh dinner party. This was my wife's choice and bless her she seemed to enjoy it. Immersed in my dish, I had a quick taste but as it did not appeal to me in the first place, I did not pay too much attention to make a fair comment. Desserts next, and ever the gentleman I let my wife choose first and she chose my second choice dessert, (we normally choose the same dishes). Lemon Posset, Raspberries, Raspberry sorbet, Shortbread and tarragon. This arrived in a cute dish which was curved at the top and reminded me of a periscope. Digging deep inside, was a bed of tangy bittersweet Posset, covered by a jelly? I enjoyed it more than my wife, not surprising really, as she is not really a fruit lover, whereas I am. Note the fried tarragon leaves. I did not get to try the shortbread, as my wife had scoffed it before I got chance. Needless to say, nothing wrong with that then. Finally my dessert Strawberry Jelly, Garden Mint Parfait, Honeycomb, Strawberry Granita. Now this was right up my street. Quite a bit of the produce for the meal was local and indeed from their own garden. The strawberries were not, its too early in good old Lancs, even though like the rest of the country they have been blessed with some good weather. I enjoyed the honeycomb. It took me back to my Cadbury's Crunchie days, minus the chocolate of course. I enjoyed the different textural elements of the dish. The mint was refreshing and the "soup" good also. We finished the meal with coffee and baby eccles cakes, and reflected on a jolly good two and a half hours of fun at the table. Some of the comments may seem negative, however the more we eat out, the more we know what we find enjoyable and not so enjoyable. It is stonking value for money and we would recommend anyone passing through to seek out and give this place a try. We live about an hour and a half away by car and will return in due course the next time the menu changes. Three course seasonal menu including an extra main course @ £14, a bottle of wine, amuse, coffee and eccles cakes and service charge @10% about £88. I thank you.

Mine is (newly-arrived) on-loan from the Library, but it definitely looks like one to buy. Haven't spotted any direct usages, but there's some VERY close connections. As with the "Jersey Royals with avocado, smoked trout and horseradish cream". Though the presentation is different ... Notable is that the recipes just end (or peter out) with the last 'cooking' instruction. However there are large 'final dish' photos with an overlaid paragraph explaining how the plating was done - and, praise be, the photos actually illustrate exactly what is described! As a seeming fan of this place, I think you will be well pleased with the return on your investment of £7.70p ... even though you might not find dishes exactly from the menu, the same themes are very obvious, and its very home-doable (an ice-cream-maker is about the only special kit that I've noticed to be needed). This just arrived this morning, and I must say that I'm most impressed. Your right about the Jersey Royals, Smoked trout dish, it is a variation on a theme, and about as close to what he is cooking at PSS. The photography is lavish, and at last one of the few cookery books which shows every dish next to the recipe, as it should be served. Also from what I have read so far, each and every dish is doable with impressive results on the plate. Should be able to get loads of dishes out of it. Dead easy this cheffing lark, eh.

Nick, I just realised that I did not include the price of the lamb dish in my review. It was just £7.25. Not bad really given the quantity and quality. I reckon its fairly easy to get the wait staff to point you in the direction of the decent portion (value) dishes, but agree with you the meat dishes are perhaps the way forward. I just realised also this is my 999th post, which is not too shabby in the short time of my membership. Like your blog btw, looks like you have been having a lot of fun.

Well, it took us a while to get to make a visit here, but it was worth it in the end. I have somewhat half heartedly tried to get to the other original parts of the group namely Salt Yard and Dehesa mainly because of reviews and the fact that they are both Michelin Bib gourmand listed. Finally I understand what all of the fuss is about. An old pub, not sure how old, but retaining its original name. Almost certainly something to do with the nearby Opera House. Its quite cosy inside, not too large on the ground floor, a bit intimate really. We sat at the bar. Upstairs holds about seventy. The bar snacks are cooked in the tiny kitchen at the rear of the ground floor room. The kitchen proper is in the basement with about five or six chefs on duty. The menu is split into, bar snacks, charcoal grill, hams, charcuterie, cheese, on one side of the menu, and on the other. Fish, Meat, and vegetables. By my reckoning forty eight items in total. If that is not enough I seem to remember some specials as well. Ambitious? You bet. When MarinaMetro gave the place a heady five stars, and earmarked the Pork and Foie Gras burger for special attention. On the day of the review they sold two hundred of them, and were rammed for weeks after, such is the power of the press. Mini Iberico Pork and Foie Gras Burger (£5.50) Yes it is fab, but as its been explained before, and we had a lot of eating to do, we will plod on. As befitting my reviews, we wanted to give the menu a bit of a whirl and as there was so much on offer, it was a difficult choice. Two dishes that we ordered quickly were the Padron Peppers (£4.25). A fairly tame start, in as much as we did not get the expected, blow your head off rogue one, as we had expected. The other dish was Iberico Pigs head Terrine (£4). A full flavoured chunky and stringy at the same time, mouthful of porkiness. We wanted a bit of fish next, and missed out on the Smoked Anchovies (£4.25) and plumped for the interesting sounding Venetian Style Sardine (£2.50) We liked this a lot really. Seductively draped over a bed of caremelised onions, infused with moscatel vinegar, strewn with pine nuts and some wonderful sweet, plump raisins. This was a bargain, and a very tasty eat to boot. At this point I would like to mention the staff, who are really up to the job. Highly motivated and enthusiastic, and easily able to answer most questions with regard to the food and wines. Next up was Courgette Flowers stuffed with goats cheese (£7.55). A bit on the pricey side I thought, for a veg dish. Still they ate well especially with the runny honey drizzled over them. A waiter recommend next was Grilled Scallop with butternut Squash puree, shallot and Truffle dressing with Migas (£4.25 each). A bit of a mouthful that, although the scallop was not, (a mouthful) Flavourwise good, sizewise not so good, although it could be argued as a prime ingredient it is pricey, and they do have to turn a profit of course. Migas by the way is Spanish for crumbs. Grilled Iberico Presa with capers, shallots and lemon (£8.25) is a winner, a dish that I would happily eat again and again. This is a cut from the shoulder of the pig and has a wonderful depth of flavour and texture. It has an individual flavour and looks like beef on the plate, and strangely also has a bit of a beefy eat to it. Another very good dish that we thoroughly enjoyed and would eat again on our return was the Chargrilled Salt Marsh Lamb.. Good product, well sourced, served pink, with Farro, peas and Broad beans. Oh and some dollops of goats curd. Pile it high, sell it cheap, eh. Jack Cohen would be pleased. Roasted Monkfish with crab and chickpea sauce and Crab fritter. was another waiter recommend and it was fine really. Although I think the crab had legged it. The fritter was ever so slightly crabby, but swamped a little by the other ingredients. The monkfish was as expected, meaty, and tasty, swimming in a chickpea broth. Nearly stuffed to the gills now, my wife fancied a dish of the vegetable section,Gorgonzola and Date croquettes (£4.75) I was'n't keen on this offering, the taste nor the texture. It did not do it for me. The crispy shell had a stale oily flavour. Shame really but that is only a small blot on an otherwise very decent meal. Our last but one dish was to add to our bit of a mini porkfest Confit of Old Sot Pork Belly (£6.65) Wallowing in a mud of Rosemary scented cannellini beans this porkers life was not in vain. Crispy crunchy crackling, moreish meat, and a decent broth Last up was a little platter of Gressingham duck with figs (£3.25) Not a bad ending, this tasty skewer of food fitted the bill perfectly. Well, again a bit of a marathon, but at least we give the kitchen a good going over. It is a strong recommend and if you watch what you order you could eat here for fifteen, twenty, twenty five pounds a head. We spent about £110, which included a bottle of wine and a beer, no coffees and tap water. However we ordered lots of food, all in the name of research of course. Give it a try, its well worth it.

Chefs website Staff Canteen in association with Bonnet who installed PSS kitchen have produced a very good video. Jason explains his idea for the place and puts the "social" part into perspective. He also cooks Dingly Dell pork belly and cheek which is currently on the menu. Looks dead simple really, but you will need some sous vide kit. Which I do not possess ITS HERE

Good shout Gary, a really good recommend, but I have been already. Remember when Jay Rayner reviewed it? I made the journey soon after to sample the food, and needless to say was impressed. Shame on me for not posting the meal as it was very deserving of it. Somehow it got lost in a haze of other stuff. From memory its more restaurant than pub inside. I remember posh carpet in the bar, cosy seating areas, the conservatory, and the three hundred year old yew tree? outside. May have a look at The Star, not as yet tried Mr Pern's food.

No not been, and as its nearly two hours by car away, and only open in the evenings (except Sunday) it will not happen yet. I would have to tie it into something else in that direction with an overnight stay, and nothing as yet appeals. The getting there is not a problem, its the driving back after a heavy dinner that I don't find at all attractive. There are loads of overnight options in London that are on my list, so a southerly trip is currently more attractive, but you may yet be surprised. Stay tuned in.

Andy Hayler has reviewed it. Menu seems very trimmed down chez Bruce. Review Here

And another top chef, who I rate very highly indeed, gives his thumbs up. Catch up with him at The Latymer Michael Wignall

I think he captures it well. Good on Dave read the article it may provide you with some balance. I know it may hurt to hear negative comments, but it will help you in the long run. Honest. What an utter load of cack. No, not you Robin, honest I spent my hard earned £1 to read that bile. A whole load of pointless diatibe done for effect. Fifteen paragraphs of hot air with barely two touching on the food. With no actual detail as to what he found objectional about it. Its interesting that now you have to enter a search for his reviews, whilst Coren's are headlined. Is he to be put out to grass? The kitchen would have known Gill was in the place, even if he booked under another name. He's so full of his own self importance he probably barked it out. For that reason and that alone, the onglet he so skillfully rubbishes simply does not whatsoever stack up. Its a work of fiction, again said for effect. Far more interesting is the fact that more and more positive reviews have arrived by the day, making this completely out of kilter with them. I know who's palate I trust, and its not AA Gill's. Interesting that Aiden Byrne, himself no stranger to criticism, offers his support via twitter. Its here

Interesting you should make reference to the book. I have been tempted before to buy it, but refrained. I popped into WH Smith last week to have a look with a view to buying it, and guess what, it was not on the shelves. I have just ordered it online from Amazon for the princely sum of £7.70 including free super saver delivery. Will definitely try those dishes out and report back.

I suspected something had been said when I read Jason's tweets this morning. He's clearly not amused. I used to subscribed to The Times, but decided that as I mainly only read the restaurant reviews it was not worth the money to me. Can't even be bothered to pay £1 to read his review. Although I may change my mind later on Jason's Twitter

Thanks for the reply. It looks a great place to work. May just stay over on our visit. Can you get me a discount Stumbled on This review and Video from Giles Coren. Its well worth a look.

Only just opened, and no I have not been. Just wondered if anyone else had. They had a soft opening last week which I only found out about whilst dining at Opera Tavern. It has not been on my hit list for a visit. Will certainly give it a try though. What do you think? Review in todays Telegraph.

General Manager Michael West told me the bar was absolutely rammed on Thursday and Friday. Can't remember if he mentioned anything about the restaurant proper. The bar alone must contribute big chunks of revenue into the pot. So no complaints there from the management I suppose.

It actually was. Not full by any means, but vibrant, although Saturday lunches rarely are, full that is. The photos were taken at the end of service and we were about last to leave because of the marathon meal. I wanted to take a photo of the dessert bar which was full most of the service but it just seemed a bit cheeky and I thought someone may have objected. Hope you post a report on Moro, another place I,ve not been too. We actually got around to visiting Opera Tavern also and it was a cracker of a meal, thoroughly enjoyable. When I have an hour or three I will post it. Yes it does take me that long.