The Stockwell

With family friends over from the Czech Republic who have a keen interest in history and art we decided where was better to eat than The Stockwell. Situated in the historical town of Colchester in Essex, sits the recently refurbished Medieval Restaurant and Real Ale Hall. It's one of Colchester's most historic buildings located in the Dutch Quarter.

The Stockwell has the most incredible lunch and dinner menus, as well as producing beautiful Afternoon Tea's (I have previously reviewed the Afternoon Tea at The Stockwell, and you can read this review here http://fallingjess.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/mothers-day-madness.html).

On this occasion we were seated in The Empire Room. Their website states that The Empire Room which is "set off by an imposing chimney-breast ... offers lavish and luxurious dining at its secluded best and is ideal for private dinners or family celebrations for up to 16 guests. Escape into a world of majestic opulence as dedicated staff cater to your every need". I can honestly say that the secluded and intimate dining experience wowed our guests and that the enthusiastic, friendly, informative and attentive staff satisfied our every need.

On to the crux of the matter, the food. My choices were:
- For starter the "Surf and Sty" consisting of warm flavoursome pig’s cheek terrine, sauté baby scallops, wilted English chard and wild garlic velouté.
- For the main event myself and my lesser half shared their signature dish, "The Stockwell Sharer". Served on a medieval style metre long banqueting board, were the delicious garlic infused chicken breast, pulled pork, stuffed Hiso cabbage leaves, roasted belly of pork, Peasant’s Catch, squid bolognaise, mashed potatoes, saffron cereals, roasted spring vegetables, grilled field mushrooms and cured tomatoes. (With our eyes bigger than our bellies we also ordered a side portion of their incredible Triple Cooked Chips!)
- And finally for desert I indulged in the "Heaven Scent Lemon Sharer" for Two (I did share honest!). This sharing board contained a glazed lemon tart, lemon sorbet, chilled lemon cello shot and lemon meringue pie.

The Stockwell Sharer

The Stockwell Sharer from a different angle

I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, I even surprised myself and enjoyed the Nettle Tea and The Peasants Catch; which is The Stockwell's take on medieval porridge containing mussels, semolina, samphire and spring onions in smoked haddock milk, finished with baby watercress.

Other diners within my party enjoyed for starters the Soup of the Day, Line Caught Cornish Mackerel, Chargrilled New Season Asparagus and The Stockwell Snag. For mains they feasted on the Steak and ’Umble Pie, Crispy Pork Belly and Sweet Spiced Pulled Pork, Garlic Chicken and Crispy Salted Pork and the 28 Day Aged Chateaubriand (8oz). Their desert choices consisted of Stockwell Eton Mess, Warm Poached Rhubarb and Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich.

As a large group of 10 we consumed a fair amount of alcohol, however our final bill was around £44 per person. For the vast amount and impressive quality of the food it is safe to say that I felt this was superb value for money.

Check out there website for menus, special offers and private dining information
http://www.thestockwellcolchester.com/
 If you have dined at The Stockwell why not share your experience with my fellow readers in the comment section below.

The food is good, I'm not kidding Yew!

After a recent visit to the Yew Tree, I decided to give it a cheeky review and run it past my 3 key points of dining out:

1. How much is it going to set me back?

2. Is the alcohol affordable?

3. What's on the menu?

 

My lesser half and myself ventured here after craving a Sunday Roast. The Yew Tree was a pub that holds fond memories from past family meals and I was hoping it wouldn't disappoint. The Yew Tree is a beautiful, picturesque, traditional pub in the village of Great Horkesley and is part of the Chef and Brewer chain.

 

I started my meal with a bubble & squeak which was delicious. The potato cake was well complimented with a free range egg and succulent hollandaise sauce. My lesser half had sticky beef noodles, which naturally I had to taste and must say it was pretty moreish. Was such a generous portion and would have done most people for a main meal!

 

Being a Sunday it would have been rude to order anything but one of the their roast dinners. The choice being gammon, rack of pork loin, topside of beef or Norfolk turkey breast. We both decided on the topside of beef with all the trimmings which was cooked to perfection. Being the fatty I am, I also added pigs in blankets and cauliflower cheese from their vast selection of scrummy sounding side dishes. My only criticism would be the roast potatoes, they were a little small and lacking in crispiness. Unfortunately we were both stuffed and couldn't manage a desert.

 

For those with children they also offer a great children's menu with starters, mains and deserts!

 

So in answer to my three points:

1. Very reasonably priced:
    - Starters ranging from £3.49 - £6.49
    - Mains ranging from £8.99 - £15.99 

    - Deserts ranging from £3.29 - £5.99

2. I was unfortunately the designated driver on this occasion so stuck to the diet coke however looking at the wine menu your averaging around £4.50 for a 175ml glass. They also over cask ales, ciders and soft drinks. I'd say they are all adequately priced.

3. I attempted to get your taste buds tingling with my review above but why not have a look on their website for the menu. As well as upcoming events and deals such as signing up to their online club and receiving a free starter or pudding. http://www.chefandbrewer.com/pub/yew-tree-great-horkesley-colchester/c1249/