delivery boys’ review

food & drink

DELIVERY BOYS’ REVIEW with.. We check out the local restaurants & eateries

by John McBurney & Andrew Martin

It is so good to be back! Due to the Covid crisis it has been difficult for our delivery team to dine out and review local restaurants, but now, this has all changed. We were very excited to be invited back to the Stratton House Hotel, a place we have fond memories of after our visit to the restaurant in November 2019 and we really looked forward to coming back.

On this occasion our restaurant reviewers were John and his wife Kate. Although it was mid-September, we were in the midst of an Indian summer, the sun had been shining all day, as such we were quite looking forward to trying out the Stratton’s Summer Menu.

For starters we decided to share, choosing the Chipotle chicken wings with blue cheese mayo, hot sauce and coriander. Absolutely finger-licking delicious. A tasty starter to get the juices flowing. We both agreed that the fresh coriander and chilli gave the dish a fantastic punch. Chatting with our waitress, Sinéad, it was interesting to discover that although the government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme had ended, the Stratton had decided to continue the discount until 16th September. A very kind and generous gesture and a fantastic way for people to bring back some normality into their lives by eating out in a pleasant and safe environment. On that note, it was very reassuring to see that the Stratton is fully compliant with the Covid-secure guidelines for restaurants. Their measures include wellness checks for staff, enhanced cleaning and layout changes to maintain social distancing to name just a few. We both felt very safe but also very comfortable and relaxed, which is what eating out is all about.

For mains, Kate opted for the Chickpea, cumin & spinach burger. This came with fried Halloumi and tomato chutney. John decided to go for the Orange and chilli glazed pork belly ribs, with apple and kohlrabi slaw. Kohlrabi? Yes, we had never heard of this before, and discovered that it is a German turnip. It has to be said, the coleslaw was something special. The meals came with a choice of skinny fries, triple cooked chips or sweet potato chips. Our main courses

soon arrived and

This Month’s Review Stratton House Hotel London Road, Biggleswade, SG18 8ED 01767 312442

we were more than impressed. Our meals were exceptionally well presented both arriving on wooden boards. The pork belly ribs were huge, there was so much succulent tender meat, and such a tasty glaze, full of citrusy notes and fresh chilli giving it a mouth-watering kick, perfectly complimented with a glass of El Monstruo Malbec. The vegetarian burger in a brioche bun was delicious, the grilled halloumi was the game winner, giving the burger a real tasty bite and accompanied very well with the chutney. A perfect vegetarian meal.

With full tummies, we decided to pass on dessert, however, a quick look at the menu, it was far too easy persuading ourselves to share a pudding. We went for the warm chocolate brownie with salted caramel and honeycomb ice cream. Simply amazing, especially the honeycomb. We finished with coffees, said our farewells and headed home.

We simply can’t wait to go back to the Stratton House Hotel. The food really is top notch and the service is delightful, with friendly tenta

tive staff, in warm, welcoming surroundings. We now have the perfect excuse, and are looking forward to returning and trying out their Autumn Menu, which will be launched on 23rd September.