A Warm Welcome Awaits You…
When the doors re-open at the Freemasons in Wiswell, there will be exciting new menus featuring the finest local ingredients. Tedd Walmsley finds out more
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over six months since Steve Smith and the talented team at the Freemasons served their last customers.
The resilience and commitment shown by them has been astonishing – the ‘Freemasons From Home’ range of take-aways and ‘Cook at Home’ boxes have delighted those close enough to enjoy and will remain available until 19th May – D-day for re-opening. Firmly alongside Steve is the very talented head chef Matt Smith – Matt will be running the kitchen day to day and alongside Steve will create and design the ever-changing and evolving menu. The Smiths ‘dream team’ will allow continuity and creative flair to flourish.
We must not forget just what an award-winning venue we have on our doorstep. A tenth successive year in the top 10 of the much-acclaimed Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastro Pubs is testimony to consistency and longevity of the Freemasons.
So, what’s on offer when the doors finally re-open? Let me remind you of the versatility and value of all options for you to consider. Without doubt the best value is the lunch and early supper menu served Wednesday to Saturday, lunchtimes and evenings Wednesday to Friday. This is one of my favourites as Liz and I have always enjoyed lunch with friends, family and even the odd client.
The new menu is already exciting me with the seasonal starter of asparagus soup, battling it out with my all-time favourite, pork pie and pickles as a choice.
Mains of lamb, cod and chicken look and sound divine and, to finish, the decadent puddings include a light Pavlova or a sweet, sticky bread and butter pudding. “How many sleeps before I can go?” I have just asked Liz!
In all seriousness, what I do suggest is that you make reservations – a combination of pent-up demand and an exciting new menu is a guaranteed recipe for success. For those wanting the full food experience, the spring a la carte menu and Taste of Freemasons launch on 19th May. The menus look off the scale and are packed with the very best from our local Lancashire larder, supplemented with the finest ingredients sourced from land and sea by local artisan producers and suppliers.
Sunday 23rd May sees the triumphant return of the classic Sunday lunch. Three mouth-watering courses of traditional starters, roasts and desserts but all with the legendary flair and twist from the chef patron and his co-pilot Matt.
We also must remember that the Freemasons has a variety of private dining options. Initially to suit small groups of six and then, as hospitality finally re-opens completely, the larger and adaptable spaces to accommodate bigger numbers. There must be a host of parties and celebrations on hold from a year of lockdown – imagine finally getting together with family and friends with the promise of a sumptuous meal with first class service and getting back to making memories and bringing people together safely.
You may also remember the refurbishment of the kitchen which created two ultimate private dining experiences? The kitchen bench has just four stools right at the hub of the kitchen with the opportunity to be up close and personal with the team of chefs headed up by Matt, preparing and plating dishes with skill and aplomb. The kitchen table is the new intimate private dining experience for a maximum of 12 guests, personal service and a choice of dishes from the main menus or even a bespoke selection of your choice.
Bedrooms were also very much part of the 2019 refit and offer four luxurious rooms with AA 5 Gold Star Restaurant With Rooms ratings. The rooms boast up to date TV and sound systems, luxury décor and a bed to guarantee the best night’s sleep. The award-winning breakfast back in Mr Smith’s is the incredible farewell to a night of pure indulgence and comfort. There are a host of excellent re-opening packages on the website which are sure to be snapped up soon.
There is so much variety and choice of menus and packages available that the Freemasons still lives up to its reputation of being inclusive and having something for everyone. Please support Steve on his return and be both kind and patient whilst enjoying your Freemasons experience.
Freemasons at Wiswell
8 Vicarage Fold
Wiswell BB7 9DF
01254 822218
www.freemasonsatwiswell.com
