Souffle | Pantry Secrets

I have just returned from a newly refurbished restaurant called ‘The Plough’ in the small village of Lupton in Cumbria. Lately I have heard mixed reviews regarding The Plough, which mainly criticized the tapas style meals on offer and the price, therefore I was a little apprehensive.

My initial impression was that the menu was a quite boring and definitely not suited to the local area’s Cumbrian and Lancashire ‘folk’ who would normally eat more traditional and hearty food at a reasonable price. Uniquely, the menu consisted of ‘small plates’ rather than ‘starters’. From the small plate selection my family chose duck, queenie scallops and pork belly which matched any Michelin star restaurant I have visited, even the bread was scrumptious- home-made with a slight hint of fennel.

The main course dishes suited me perfectly as the meals sounded simple, with a good choice of fish on offer, but for anyone who fancies sausage and mash, steak and ale pie or a lamb Henry you will be disappointed. I decided on sea bream, whilst my family chose fillet steak, pork escalope and bacon chops (gammon), all of which were very tasty and perfectly cooked. All main courses are very basic with no accompaniments, so you will need to order at least one side dish. The choice of side dishes and sauces was extensive; I recommend the chips and the Caesar salad!

For dessert I opted for the passion fruit soufflé and although it did not match the soufflé I had at The Square in Mayfair a few weeks ago, it was still delicious. My Brother picked crème caramel which had an impressive and unique twist to the original recipe. The rest of my family were a bit too full for a dessert, so instead opted for a small selection of cheese and biscuits and coffee served with home-made chocolate truffles.

Overall, the Plough’s modern, relaxing and comfortable atmosphere, attentive and professional staff and delicious food formed a wonderful evening for me and my family. If you are looking for traditional pub grub or a bit of a bargain The Plough is not for you. Main courses alone range from £10-£20 and that is without ordering side dishes. I understand why they have recieved some negative reviews and if it was my restaurant I would replace the ‘small plates’ with regular starters, add a few classic dishes such as pie and fish and chips and include at least one side dish with the meal. However, as the evening was so enjoyable these minor issues seemed very insignificant.

My Soufflé at The Plough

http://www.theploughatlupton.co.uk/

I’ve just returned from London and had a fantastic few weeks- I definitely have fallen in love with the capital.

The highlight of my trip has to be Friday evening, which we spent at the two star Michelin restaurant, The Square in Mayfair. It was extremely expensive but totally worth it!

On entering the restaurant we received a warm welcome and were taken to our table. The restaurant is modern but minimalistic, designed so you focus more on the food rather than the decor. We were then handed a menu and a very lengthy wine list and were served delicious home made rolls whilst we browsed the mouth watering options. We were given the choice of a three course ala carte menu or a tasting menu but as each member of my family have different tastes we decided that the ala carte menu would be the most suitable option.

To begin with I chose salmon with asparagus, then turbot with a truffle and hazelnut pesto and raspberry soufflé to finish. I expected to leave the restaurant feeling slightly peckish, however unlike a lot of fine dining establishments you will definitely not leave The Square hungry. Portions are the perfect size and you get a pre-course taster between each serving so you are more likely to leave The Square feeling too full.

The food was out of this world, my salmon starter was slightly peculiar with a strange mousse texture but the turbot on the other hand was wonderful; I would never of thought of putting turbot with hazelnuts but it worked perfectly. My favourite dish had to be the raspberry soufflé. When it arrived I was astonished at the size and when the waiter placed it in front of me, made a hole in the middle and pushed a large ball of yoghurt ice cream into the soufflé, I nearly keeled over, it was by far the best desert I have ever eaten. The rest of my family tucked into duck and lamb which again were cooked to perfection. The only let down was the petit fours but luckily we were too full to care.

I would recommend The Square but do bear in mind that it is pricey and formal. Although the wine list is extensive, if you are looking for a bottle for less than £70 you will find it difficult.

Nevertheless, a real gem of a restaurant and an unforgettable experience. All in all a superb end to an amazing trip!