Two delicious Derbyshire eateries you must check out
Life can be pretty dull without a few treats along the way, and recently I was lucky enough to enjoy a pretty special one. I experienced part of the rebirth of the Three Horseshoes (Long Lane, near Ashbourne) in the shape of a seasonal tasting menu.
The kitchen is led by Michelin-trained chef Gareth Ward, who heads a six-strong team. Since Berkeley Inns acquired the pub in April this year, extensive renovations have been carried out. The result is a relaxed dining room with expensive subtle finishes, but at the same time this place manages to embrace regular local drinkers with the ambience of a traditional country pub. It’s the sort of place where you have fine dining but can move into the bar area and feel comfortable enough to want to stay.
The important bit for me and other foodies is obviously the food – and it is absolutely out of this world. I enjoyed seven wonderful courses including a white onion veloute; smoked haddock with truffle oil; spiced monkfish and lobster medallion with parsley and lemon risotto; and finally autumn berry Champagne jelly with meringue.
The regular daily menu is extensive. Bar snacks start from £4.50 for soup, to a sharing fisherman’s platter for £19.50. The evening restaurant menu has a fixed price menu of one, two or three courses at £9.90, £12.90 and £15.90 respectively. Fantastic value for such superior food.
Local entrepreneur and owner Howard Thacker tells me bookings are going great guns, with local diners making most of the reservations. I urge you to try The Three Horseshoes; you will not be disappointed.
The Three Horseshoes, Long Lane, Dalbury Lees, Ashbourne.
Telephone: 01332 824625
The Engine Shed, Roundhouse, Derby
From one Michelin-trained chef to several potential Michelin chefs…
The Engine Shed House situated in the historic Roundhouse in Derby provides a unique dining experience. This is mainly due to the fact that the Engine Shed House is run by Derby College; staffed by lecturers and their students learning their trade whilst studying on Derby College’s hospitality and culinary arts courses.
It receives rave reviews along the lines of “perfect dining experience with no pretence”. The opening times and dates need to be checked as they do change during term times and holiday times; you will need to book because it is so popular.
The menu is original with offerings such as the Chinese-spiced duck; saffron linguine; or vegetable stir fry with spicy plum coulis at £13.25. For dessert, the warm chocolate brownie comes complete with brandy snap, white chocolate cream, chocolate soil, vanilla ice cream and raspberries (a bargain at £4.95) – and definitely needs checking out!
Plus, you never know: you might meet a Gordon Ramsay in the making.
The Engine Shed Restaurant, Roundhouse Road, Derby DE24 8JE.
Telephone 01332 387487
