The day didn't start so elegantly.
To celebrate a birthday Richard and I decided to do something a little different. As a couple we like new experience and good food. We decided to look for Michelin starred restaurants in the North of England.
The Pipe and Glass in South Dalton was a clear winner for us. We booked this table four weeks in advance of our trip. The reason we chose this restaurant was because it has an à la carte menu rather than a taster menu. This was not the case with many of the restaurants we looked in to.
The seasonal menu.
The specials board.
The bar.
The 15th century inn is owned by James Mackenzie. The open beams and exposed brick work gives the sense of a traditional English pub. The bar offers a range of drinks from a collection of cask ales to rare and fine wines.
After a drink and hors d'oeuvres in the bar we were shown through to the dining room. Here we were poured our wine; a bottle of 2011 Chianti. The wine list in the restaurant is categorised to each meat so helps customers pick their wine.
Shortly after we were seated, our starters arrived.
Rich chose the guinea fowl and ham hock ballotine with a scampi fritter pease pudding, air dried ham and pea shoots.
I chose the little jar of Gloucester old spot potted pork with an apple and crackling salad and warm spelt toast.
The generously sized starters were beautiful not only to the eye but to the palate. Every element tasted superb and when eaten together the overall flavour was sensational.
Afer the starters were removed, the mains were served.
Rich ordered duck three ways. Roast duck confit, duck bolangere and crispy duck heart. This was served with a celeriac puree, spring cabbage and pickled cherries sauce. The highlight of this dish was the duck heart, which we had never tried before. The sauce also accompanied the dish perfectly.
I chose the fillet of turbot with sweetcorn fritter, samphire, cockle and sweetcorn chowder and lindsfarne oyster beignet. The turbot was seasoned to perfection. Although I wasn't too keen on the fritter, I enjoyed the meal overall.
The sweet and treat menu.
After all the amazing food, desserts were not needed but we decided to treat ourselves as the choices were plentiful.
Rich chose the Pipe and Glass chocolate plate, five reasons to love chocolate. Rich ate each element on its own but our favourite was the white chocolate crème brûlèe.
I chose the lemon posset with elderflower poached goosegogs, Yorkshire gin and tonic granita and juniper meringue. My favourite of these elements was the poached goosegogs.
To accompany the desserts we chose after dinner liquers. Richard chose the 23 year old single malt whiskey which was smooth and a perfect way to end a meal.
Flavoured macaroons.
The dining room was well spaced with tables far enough apart. The restaurant was inviting with lots to look at.
I would recommend The Pipe and Glass to anyone that is celebrating a special occasion or is looking for a great food experience. Even though it was a bit of a trek to get there, the food and drink is phenomenal. We will definitely visit again in the future.
