Simon’s Suppers
A delightful spring evening drive through the countryside, surrounded by blossom and bluebells, reminded us what a wonderful setting the Gibbon Bridge enjoys
One can never cease to be amazed how the Gibbon Bridge, once a tiny farmhouse, has evolved under the dynamic and visionary management team, into one of the best hotels in the country.
We arrived with friends into the welcoming lounge with log fires beating off the chill and a warm welcome from one of the lovely team.
Local cask ales and gin and tonics in hand, the menu provided us with a myriad of choice. We opted for the a la carte dinner but the fixed price smaller menu was great value.
Choices made, our table awaited us in the restaurant, which is elegant and comfortable with a view that just takes your breath away. Arguably some of the most beautiful gardens in the country roll out in front of you – there are lots of treasures beckoning to explore.
A great value, excellent wine list with a good choice is always a great pleasure and this one didn’t disappoint. Our choice of a Spanish Albarino suited us all – it was elegant and delicious.
Judith couldn’t resist the twice baked, classic hot cheese soufflé on marinated tomatoes and Tedd’s spicy peppered squid with a delicious hot dip was also a great choice with not much sharing going on!
Liz chose gin cured salmon served with a delicate lemon gel and lightly pickled vegetables – it was perfectly light, fresh and tasty.
I opted for pan seared scallops, cooked to perfection with a seasonal salad, artichoke and black olive sauce – it was an inspired combination!
What a good start to our evening. For mains we had been recommended the pink duck breast with Grenadine sauce, which Tedd thoroughly enjoyed. Liz loves Thai flavours so the firm white fillet of cod with Thai shellfish sauce and turnip spaghetti was perfect in every way. It was delicately spiced and the fish was cooked to perfection – it was a beautiful dish.
Judith also opted for fish choosing fillet of hake, which was very fresh and wrapped in a herb mousse with cauliflower puree and a beurre noisette. It was balanced and delicious.
I am a great fan of lamb so when it was recommended it was an easy sell! Served with a duo of courgette and garlic purees, mint gremolata and of course, some home-made mint sauce, this was a winning dish!
Desserts are legendary at the Gibbon Bridge, so we shared two elegant syrup sponge puddings served with hot custard, and a warm sunken chocolate cake served with delicious vanilla ice cream.
A lovely meal was topped off by a couple of coffees in the bar and a quick brandy for the boys. This was a lovely experience in amazing surroundings – put it on your ‘to do’ list, you won’t be disappointed.
Gibbon Bridge
Green Lane
Chipping PR3 2TQ
01995 61456
www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk
