david goodfellow

Looks like this week is shaping up a bit better. Is the lack of respect between the men for real or just for the cameras? Looks like we will find out tonight. IMO Mr Mountain is out of his depth.

So would I, we nearly dined there on Saturday with an overnight stay in the area but could not get anywhere that I fancied dining at on the Sunday. We ended up heading over to Berkshire and then on to London, Reports soon.

I've never even met the man. Your only jealous because I've not reviewed your place yet I know he's your mate and have tasted his food,what do you think, is it good? Am I right or wrong? What about a review Mr B..............Please.

Roast Duck rolled in ash, liquorice puree, with tamarind and lime, the meat skewered with liquorice sticks, may not seem to everyone's taste, however it most certainly works. How about, Pork fillet, with vanilla dipped potatoes, black pudding crumble and glazed pear, or Marsala spiced Monkfish, red lentils, pickled carrots and coconut. Or Roast pork with carrots cooked in toffee, cumin and passion fruit with smoked salt? The above dishes in some form or other regularly appear on the menu I am glad to report. So don't be shy jump in with both feet, you will be pleasantly surprised. This is what we had on our recent lunch, Naturally smoked Ham hock-pickled red cabbage-horseradish-wasabi Textures of Beetroot-red sorrel-watercress-warm Rosary goats cheese foam. Cod - Indian lentils - carrot cooked in toffee, cumin and passion fruit - coriander - red pepper. Daube of Beef -English asparagus - leek, onion and creme fraiche fondue - purple potatoes. Followed by, Hazelnut parfait -chocolate wafers - chocolate sorbet - caramel Pavlova - blackberries - Chantilly cream - blackberry sorbet - tarragon. Now if you have been following this thread you can see that I am a big fan, but Mr P is not without his critics. Another chef e-mailed me last year to say he thinks his food is feminine and portion size on the mean side. Well all I can say to that is that his food appeals to my feminine side but I suppose if I was pushed on portion size I may perhaps agree, but there again I am a bit of a glutton The simple fact of the matter is that we have never had anything other than very good food on each and every occasion that we have dined here and in the years to come Glynn's cheffy offspring will no doubt be doing their own take on the Purnell tried and trusted formula in their own restaurants. One thing is for certain, the easily accessible lunch menu has much of his distinctive style of cooking for a bargain basement price, so you won't feel at all short changed. Our lunch left us pleasantly sated and just looking through the photos on my phone its good to be reminded what the dishes looked like before we devoured them. The Cod dish was the most enjoyable just trumping the beef. I am slightly bemused however at the English asparagus, it must be forced? as the season to my knowledge has not started yet. I,m not nit picking now, just curious. The textures of Beetroot was nicely presented also and simply highlighted what a talented chef can do with such a humble ingredient. Puddings never disappoint and coffee and petit fours are included in the price. I would be most interested to read any other recent reviews just as a sort of comparison. Happy eating

Can you tell us any more about the location? We live just south of Abingdon so anything new in that area is definitely of interest. Sorry, no venue details at present as the legal stuff may not yet be completed, however rest assured you will be the first to know

Some of the dishes were really very simple. Still, serving them up to one hundred guests is no easy task, so simple perhaps needs to be the way forward. The pie was ill conceived and by the sounds of it not at all up to the mark. Alan Murchison is such a shy retiring type of guy is he not ?

Had an email from Ryan the other day regarding his new venue, which should perhaps by now be a done deal. It is in Oxfordshire and I have been invited to the launch Hope its very soon.

Just watched Glynn cooking his duck dish on Saturday Kitchen, which has prompted me to get around to writing up our midweek meal here. Watch this space. BTW its available on BBC iplayer.

Well, its starting next week on BBC2. Get your kilts on lads and lassies its the Scottish heat to kick off with. I just can't wait for this to start

Pam, your a star Thanks for the explanation. I have been in that situation myself not service wise but taking friends to a raved over Michelin restaurant(admittedly a long time ago)and I was sorely let down. I felt responsible for the non event. On a slightly lighter note I have been racking my brain to guide you to your ideal venue but so far other than the choices that I have offered I am struggling. Will keep trying.

You could of course head east into Wales, Michelin starred Crown at Whitebrook is only 55 miles away and Shaun Hill's Walnut Tree is 65 miles.

Pam, I'm a bit worried to recommend anywhere as The Sportsman wowed me and most others but you did not like it I admit its hard to find good dining outside of London and as you know I travel huge distances most weeks in search of good food. Its a real shame La Becasse is closed as we can wholeheartedly recommend it. Sat Bains is too far away for you which is a shame because even though it is pricey on my one and only visit the food is worth a journey. Nickloman is correct Birmingham is your best option, Purnells, Simpsons, Turners, Loves, Lasan, I've been them all and enjoyed each visit. We had a real surprise a couple of weeks ago on a visit to Turners, the flavours were so fresh we both looked at each other in amazement both our starters were exceptional, will write it up soon. Wherever you go as always its good to get someone else's take on their experience so I can't wait for your reviews, hopefully you will be kind

I vividly remember my first Marco meal at Harveys on Wandsworth Common, I was young, not really full of confidence and very worried indeed that they had not lost our booking. Marco's reputation was quite fearsome and that very night a party of ? turned up claiming to have a booking and were swiftly sent on their way. We met up with our friends who live in North Wales and they booked the restaurant for us knowing that I am a lifelong Marco fan. Now we all know Marco is not at the stove any longer, however his name is above the door so the standard needs to be high. Marco's very good friend of more than twenty years Francis Carroll runs the operation for him. Carroll used to run Cabbage Hall in not far away Little Budworth until fairly recently. We had a very pleasant meal there about a year or so ago. Formally Hoole Hall and now Doubletree by Hilton the property has undergone a massive refurb and it truly is very nice indeed. The original 18th century Manor House and grade 2 English Heritage listed conservatory has been skillfully extended to incorporate a very busy Spa and posh hotel.Set in its own landscaped grounds its a great place to stay. We took a room viewing after the meal and can confirm the quality for prices charged is excellent. MPW restaurant is a pleasant spot to while away the hours and as its only been open a matter of weeks everything is crisp and new. Perhaps Mothers Day was not the best day to visit especially when nearly three hundred covers need taking care of,but hey ho we don't see our friends too often and the menu looked ok so why not. With a choice of six starters, mains and puddings you would not struggle choice wise. Me and N had the Hatherton blue cheese tart with watercress and toasted walnuts and even though I say it myself this was the best starter on the list. R had the Sauteed chicken livers with toasted brioche and sherry dressing, which I did not taste but was declared to be very pleasant. Mrs G had Smoked Salmon ravioli with beetroot carpaccio, soft herbs and olive oil. This held out a lot of promise but as soon as I saw the ravioli I knew it was going to be poor. The ravioli (two) looked like Mexican hats and whilst not tasting like one they were thick and rubbery and the filling was well, boring. Ignoring the Rump of Ridings reserve Beef, Sea Bass, Risotto of Smoked Haddock, My three guests chose the Roast Cheshire Pork with caramelised apple and crisp sage. They asked the waiter if it came with crackling, and after a visit to the kitchen it was confirmed. Sadly the crackling did not materialise, still these things sometimes happen. I had Traditional Lancashire hot pot with roast shallots and red wine. It arrived in a copper pot with a medley of veg, picture, carrots, cauliflower, green beans and broccoli. This was very enjoyable with top quality Lamb, real depth of flavour in the sauce, crispy potato topping. Puddings were, Rhubarb crumble and fresh cream, Sticky Toffee pudding with toffee sauce, and treacle tart. I did not try the Crumble, I had the Toffee pud which was good to a point but a bit dry on the inside which let it down slightly. Thankfully in true Marco style there was ample sauce to help it on its way. The treacle tart was excellent, it really was, yum, yum. Coffee was included in the price which arrived lukewarm and had to be sent back. The next lot were not a lot warmer but we could not be bothered to make a fuss. We were treated to some rose jelly petit fours which were very enjoyable. I did not go here expecting Michelin quality food so was not disappointed, it does show promise though and even for the mistakes we still enjoyed it and would return. Service was smiley and agreeable again a few mistakes but nothing was too much trouble and there is a desire to please. Meal for four including a couple of entry level bottles of wine , tip and tap water £150.

Do many places in the current MPW restaurant empire appear in the guide? I haven't been tempted to head for any of them, and don't recall a lot of rave reviews. This couldn't have anything to do with his view could it? Legend may be an apt description i.e. a romanticized or popularized myth of modern times. As strange as it may seem we met up with some friends of ours at Marco,s new Steakhouse and Grill in Chester yesterday. I'm so far behind with my reviews that this one was to be a few weeks away, however whilst it is fresh in my mind I may write it up very soon

Are you going on Ladies Day? Staying over? Lunch or Dinner? If your going by car particularly a posh one you simply must have a picnic with plenty of champers and good nosh, its the done thing. I speak of course from experience as we never missed a good picnic for a decade or more. Ah, memories, so,so, precious.

Top Man, thanks ever so much for that, I can't wait to go now

Prawncrackers, Is 8 or 9 too late to arrive or is there still time to do business? Also can you buy smaller quantities of goods, for example a kilo or two of fish as opposed to a box? How much are the Label Rouge chickens? Thanks.

Thanks Guys, thats a very rewarding response. Most of my questions have been answered. I have a fascination with markets, the people, the atmosphere, etc, and of course the produce. Most certainly make a visit, but have to buy another freezer or clear some of the stuff in the one we use.

Not being from Birmingham or even remotely close I was wondering about tying in a visit to here along with one of our foodie treks to Purnells etc, etc. Most appealing would be the fish as I overheard someone in a restaurant enthusing about its quality and extremely good value. Anyone been? Any do's, don'ts? Best time to get there, etc, etc. Thanks in anticipation

We seem to favour a visit here rather than Red Chilli and its strange passing an old love without a pang of regret, Still. It was our intention to try a few different things this time, and indeed in the morning of our visit I sort of decided the Hot Pot was the way foreward. As the day wore on I had sort of gone off the idea a bit because I had a real craving for the Gong Bao Chicken, hmmmm. We were the only non Chinese in the place, and as we have noticed on previous visits everyone (except us) was young. About a third of people had the Hot Pot, steaming bowls of various stocks and huge mounds of food to cook in them. It looked very tempting. We skipped the Stewed Frogs Legs and Multi flavoured Pigs Intestines and plumped for, Steamed fried Dumplings (£4.50) which were freshly made and hence took an age to arrive. Mrs G enjoyed them more than me, the pork filling was a bit tasteless and the dipping sauce a tad too vinegary. About 10/12 plump Stir fried King Prawns (£9.95) arrived next, shell on and thanks to chef an additional well tasty dipping sauce was thoughtfully provided.It was good of the waiter to offer as we asked how they were served, (sauce or no sauce?) and he said the latter, so good show all around. Fish fragrant Pork slivers with pickled chilli ginger, with a hint of Sweet and Sour sauce £7.95) was next. Its listed as "famous sichuan dish" on the menu and who am I to argue. What it does not say is the dish is predominantly noodles, so if you don't like noodles (we do)don't order it. We think it is a good dish and will try it again sometime. On to the Gong Bao Chicken with peanuts (£7.95)this really is hugely satisfying although I miss the garlic slices as in the Red Chilli version I don't think this version is as "sticky sweet" as the other though. We stuck to boiled rice to break up the relentless chilli onslaught and had a beer and a glass of wine and copious amounts of tap water to wash it ll down with. Please note that they impose a service charge which is unusual in Chinatown, our bill was £45 for the above but we are gluttons and you could perhaps get away with £30 and still be sated Red Chilli next, for a Gong Bao Chicken comparison.

As you already by now know John, I liked both of them, however they are both different and on reflection I prefer Harwood. Hereford Road has a clinical feel to it and the food good though it is, is basic and imo not as good as Harwood. Harwood has a comforting, cosy feel to it, however if you do go I would book early as from memory ,and of course depending when you go, tables are in short supply. Hope this helps.

This should give you a flavour of the Nut Tree.

Of the four places that you mention we have dined at three of them, however only one of them recently. The Nut Tree is the odd one out as it is no where near as formal as the others its just a very special village pub, but we really enjoyed it and its Michelin starred and very good value indeed. Of course The Feathers could be described as a village pub but from memory (admittedly along time ago)it seemed more formal, and of course the food is not recognized by the guides. Lords of the Manor was a frequent dining spot of ours a decade or more ago. Classic honey coloured Cotswold country house hotel in a sleepy village. It holds 3 AA rosettes and is Michelin starred. During the week it used to be very quiet so if buzz is important you would need to choose your day. Danesfield House has 4 AA rosettes but is not Michelin starred, I have seen photographs of Adam Simmonds(chef) food and it looks terrific so along with "Lords" a visit this year is for us in order. Again it can be described as country house hotel and somewhere in the past we visited it but not to dine just as a pit stop on the way back from the races (Ascot). Hope this helps.

Welcome aboard Loving Annie, We had the good fortune to dine at a recently promoted 2 to 3 AA rosetted restaurant last week,and very good it was too. I spoke to the chef, at some length after the meal and he revealed to me that his next goal was a Michelin star. If you were to ask most chefs the above, Michelin recognition is the pinnacle.

Thanks Phil, there are a few names on there that I have not heard of, am really looking forward as always to seeing this series,especially the new guys.