Leisurely Lunch…
I have to confess it’s been some time since Liz and I had lunch at Mitton Hall – so we were thrilled to be invited and very much looking forward to eating from a great looking menu, writes Tedd Walmsley
Mitton Hall is of course synonymous with weddings and deserves its reputation as one of the Ribble Valley’s very best venues. I’m sure, like us, you’ve enjoyed the stunning location, food, drink, organisation and service, which makes it such a perfect space for that very special day.
Turning right at reception we were shown into a delightful dining room with starched white tablecloths, flowers and a lovely intimate vibe. We arrived deliberately at 1.45pm for a late lunch and joined a host of other diners who were enjoying either afternoon tea or lunch themselves.
I must at this point heap praise on the front of house team – given the recent difficulties of recruitment and retention in hospitality, it was refreshing to be looked after by two young ladies so professional, yet friendly and engaging. My message to the James’ Places management team would be – look after them well.
So onto the food, the menu was wide and varied and it took me a while to choose. I noticed two of Liz’s favourite dishes on there and for once she didn’t go off-piste. A starter of crushed avocado on toasted focaccia complemented with a perfectly poached egg and tomato salsa – I’m told it was utterly delicious. A hearty dish of king prawn and tomato linguine soon followed and was declared a triumph – packed with prawns and a chilli kick, as Liz said: “What’s not to like?”
I started with a salt marsh lamb croquette with small sweet, pickled clams. Wow! I could have eaten a plateful of these little beauties. With so much to choose from and a sweet treat to follow, this is an excellent menu – timeless classics, steaks from the grill and lighter option means there’s something for everyone. I rarely eat pudding, but temptation proved too strong and I succumbed to a decadent cheesecake – what a way to end a long leisurely lunch.
As we know we are blessed with choice in the Ribble Valley when it comes to eating out and James’ Places themselves have some cracking options across their portfolio. I did notice that the Sunday roasts were back from October – I can picture now, the roaring fires, rosy cheeks and the finest cuts of meat and vegetables served on a cold and possibly wet winter Sunday.
Check out social media and the James’ Places website for all that’s on offer across the group – but especially at Mitton Hall.
Mitton Hall
Mitton Road, Clitheroe BB7 9PQ
01254 826544
mittonhallhotel.co.uk
jamesplaces.com
