Reviews

From memory, this is the first time I have reviwed a hotel restaurant. Often restaurants within hotels are full of residents, which makes you feel like you are intruding on a private party.

Peasehill House is a small eight-bedroomed hotel, privately owned by two young men, Mathew Hillam and Michael Lunn. They took over the hotel and restaurant just over a year ago and, during the last 12 months, have increased the restaurant traffic by improving on the existing very high quality of the food. Peasehill has always had a good reputation for food and is often better known as a restaurant than a hotel.

It is definitely a 'foodie' haunt. Prior to dining here, as always, I asked people's opinions with the usual questions, 'What do you think?', 'Is it expensive?', 'What's it like inside?' etc., etc. To my surprise, most people hadn't heard of it. I live 400 yards away, so I suppose, to me, it's a name with which I have grown very familiar. However, the ones who had heard of it all batted from the same wicket, unanimously promising 'The food will be great.'

When booking, I asked for a table for two on a busy night (there is nothing worse than eating in an empty restaurant). They understood fully and booked us in on a Friday night at 8.00pm.

We arrived at about 7.30pm, as we like to have a few drinks first and get a feel for the place. There is a good-sized car park, which is overhung by mature trees, creating a picturesque setting. We were ushered into a cosy bar with red leather sofas and, a couple of large gin-and-tonics later, we were seated in the as yet empty restaurant. The decor, I have to say was a little dated for my taste but then, I am Mr Contemporary!

We were not to be alone for long as, within 15 minutes, the place was full. We were the youngest diners in there, although I suppose that doesn't make any difference; in fact, it was a refreshing change for me to be young again. Believe me, at 40, that doesn't happen very often.

The atmosphere began to buzz and we settled in. Our starters arrived; my partner ordered Thai Spiced Chicken Spring Rolls with Plum Sauce and I ordered Welsh Rarebit of Haddock with a Tomato and Basil Salad. The Spring Rolls were average-to-good; the Rarebit, however, was fantastic. In fact, I could have enjoyed it as my main course as this was the best starter to have ever come out of any kitchen on the entire planet; well, perhaps a slight exaggeration - but it was absolutely unbelievable.

It was at this point that I remembered my friends' comments about this being a 'foodie' place. With this in mind, the main courses arrived a little too quickly for my liking. I like a reasonable gap between courses but, again, this is just a personal preference.

My partner ordered Seared Swordfish Steak with a Red Pepper and Chili Dressing and mine was Roast Chicken Breast, filled with Spinach and wrapped in Parma Ham. Both were beautifully presented and served with fresh vegetables. We did order chips, which were not on the menu, but this was not a problem to them. The acid test for me is the Mange Tout and, yes, it was crunchy, which is especially gratifying when the restaurant was packed and the chefs must have been working flat out. Both mains were awesome; I couldn't find a single fault with the food.

The sweets were equally as delicious and just as well presented. Mine was an individual Raspberry Mousse with Fruit Coulis and my partner's was Caramelised Banana Creme Brulee. I am not generally a 'sweet' fan, but you know how it is - if you don't have one, she won't! Both were spot on. All this was washed down with a bottle of Sancerre at £14.70.

The food we chose was from a pre-set three-course menu, with a choice of six starters, six main courses, six sweets and with coffee and truffles to finish.
The cost? Wait for this - only £15.95 each.
Wonderful value.

Atmosphere ***
Food *****
Service ****
Value *****

taken from h2b journal - issue 10