La Bécasse

Christopher J. ( 30s, Male, London )

After a period of eating in many homogenous hotel restaurants it was rather refreshing to be led up a creaking staircase to an oak beamed bar occupying the first floor of this of a 17th century coaching house complete with oversized chairs and chaise long. It was a promising start. Drinks were ordered and my choice of Gin ignored and I was offered either Bombay Sapphire or a Gabriel Boudier (Saffron Gin). A straight up Gin was not available, neither was my companions Grey Goose and an alternative Vodka was offered instead. The request for Diet tonic was also overlooked and I was given Fentimans tonic water which has a pretty label but tasted like Soda Water. Our food order was taken at the bar and in addition to the a la carte menu, the ‘menu gourmand’ there was a 10-course ‘surprise menu’ complete with Wine. We figured a 300 mile round trip for dinner demanded something special so elected for the latter.

It is difficult to recall every course so read into that what you will, although there were two very memorable dishes – the Pigeon which was served with an incredible foie gras terrine, mango salsa, sesame and coriander, certainly the best Foie Gras dish I have eaten. Also the Halibut with Morteau sausage and ‘wafer thin’ slices of cauliflower. There was actually a great deal of creative slicing and dicing going on throughout the meal to the extent some plates looked like a demonstration of the latest kitchen appliance. The Wine pairings were good, apart from one Lebanese Wine which was either corked or too leftfield for our palettes. It was quickly replaced with a Burgundy without hesitation. The Cheese Trolley looked amazing but not part of our journey and we had eaten enough. The meal was good, possibly in parts a triumph of style over substance and the atmosphere lacked but worth a visit if in the area.