EAT I N G O UT
No. 3 The Yard Restaurant
Antonia Scott revisits one of Stamford’s favourite places to eat and is relieved it’s still in very good hands No. 3 The Yard (formerly Jim’s Yard) sits in a quiet courtyard off Ironmonger Street which bisects Stamford’s Broad Street with the High Street. On the night Murray and I went with another ‘foodie’ couple, we meandered past outdoor diners enjoying the last Indian summer evening in the Conservatory, giving the restaurant an air of ‘Mediterranean cool’. I immediately recognised the new signage – done by local illustrator Katie Cardew which gives the place an instant face lift. We enjoyed pre-dinner drinks of champagne and a choice of different gins and tonic, served by affable co-owner Simon McEnery who previously worked in London running restaurants before moving to Rutland to run two AA Rosette restaurants in Oakham. The Wine List is comprehensive with a wide range of choice and budget. We all struggled to make our final decision over the seven choices available for each course (plus a Special’s Board) – always a good sign! – before settling on a selection of Chicken Liver Parfait with Crispy Bread and Chutney, Breaded Goats Cheese Crotin with a Red & Yellow Pepper Mousse, Mussels from the River Exe, served with a Marinière sauce and a Smoked Haddock & Queen Scallop Chowder – all priced between £6-£6.50. Each dish was beautifully presented and tasted delicious – a fantastic precursor to the main event – Pan Fried Calves Liver, Creamy Mash, Roasted Red Onion, Onion Gravy & Crispy Bacon (£15), Steamed Plaice, Sautéed Potato, Peas a la Francais (£14.50) and 9oz Ribeye Steak, Mushroom, Slow Roasted Tomato, Onion Ring, Chips & Béarnaise Sauce (£21). Portions were generous but not overwhelming and were all cooked to perfection. Puddings options were classics with a twist (£6) but we only had room to share a generous Cheese Board (£7.50). Head Chef and co-owner Tim Luff previously ran the kitchen at the popular Northwick Arms in Ketton and prior to that was Head Chef at The Olive Branch in Clipsham for 8 years – so it’s easy to see why No. 3 The Yard is one of only two establishments in Lincolnshire to hold the Michelin Bib Gourmand. I spied the mouth-watering Christmas and New Year menus which are very tempting – perhaps I’ll suggest we eat out this year! • No. 3 The Yard, Ironmonger St, Stamford, PE9 1PL Tel: 01780 756080 www.theyardrestaurant.biz/
The Wine Bar, Stamford The wine bar in St Paul’s St has recently re-opened under completely new ownership and a re-furbishment which has made it very stylish and contemporary. Alex Way and Stephen Miskell have taken over the business and see a strong future for the business at the heart of Stamford’s ever-expanding hospitality sector. “Our plan,” Alex told SL, “is to be open 7 days a week from 10am-11pm, so you know we will always be there and available for something to eat and something to drink.” The wine bar will open its doors in the morning, offering hot drinks and light breakfasts; and at lunch a glass of wine perhaps and a fresh sandwich, prepared by Kelly at The Stamford Deli (they are determined to use local suppliers wherever possible). In the evening there will be great wine and light bites, including tapas. And they want to celebrate wine, not just go with the crowd. “If you come in and ask for something white or something red, we will give you a really interesting glass of wine, not just another Pinot. We want to help you try new things and enjoy something different.” There is also a great selection of cocktails available. The wine bar is now incredibly spacious for its size and distinctly stylish. Tanya Vaughan (her showroom is by St George’s Church) helped with the look. • The Wine Bar, 10 St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE Tel: 01780 757844 www.stamfordwinebar.co.uk
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Dameon Clarke re-opens the Wicked Witch Dameon Clarke has recently returned to the Wicked Witch in Ryhall, but this time as owner as well as Head Chef, along with his partner Victoria Lynn who will run front of house. He will operate 42 covers on the ground floor, and will be offering a set lunch (£14.95) and set dinner (£21.95/£26.95). “My approach to the food side of things will be exactly the same as before – the quality of the food won’t alter, but I just want to make it more affordable,” he said.
Hambleton Bakery’s Christmas Range Hambleton Bakery’s indulgent range of Christmas is available from the start of December. Especially notable are the Christmas puddings, based on an 1844 recipe handed down through Julian Carter’s family, very rich and rather alcoholic (but they sell out very quickly). Also of great distinction are the Christmas Crowns – 6 buns in a pan, with ginger, calvados apples, golden raisins, sultanas, peel and glaze. There’s also lots else to take your fancy, including individual Christmas cakes, cranberry & white chocolate cookies, mince pies, spiced pear and almond tarts and stilton & celery scones. • Stamford Shop, 1 Ironmonger St, Stamford PE9 1PL To order: 01780 754327 www.hambletonbakery.co.uk
RUTLAND & MARKET HARBOROUGH LIVING DECEMBER 2014
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