Tuesday, June 23, 2009

The Wheatsheaf – Brigsteer

Food

I started with the Mixed Entree Platter - smoked salmon... which was well done. The Deep-Fried Fish Cake, Poached Hens Egg, Lemon and Dill Dressing, Baby Leaves, Herb Oil (£5.65) was actually a bit boring. I definitely tasted more potato than fish, although the salad was well done. We’ve had so many terrines by now that we expected a lot from the Pressed Terrine of Local Game and Pistachio, Blueberry Gastrique, Dressed Seasonal Leaves (£5.90). This one ranks around average out of all those that I tried. It was a little dry but the game flavour was carried through nicely.

For mains, we had the Braised Daube of Local Beef, Oxtail Ragout, Garlic and Horseradish Mash, Roast Veg, Truffle Jus (£13.95) which was very disappointing. The beef was really dry and tough. The Belly of Local Pork, Mustard Mash, Caramelized Apples, Braising Juices (£13.50) flared a little better, but not much. The pork was also dry, but the crackling was nice. The Fish with Capers and Lemon sauce with Potatoes was as nice as UK fish can be. The sauce helped to lift the dish.

Rating - 5.5

Atmosphere

There seems to be a formula for Michelin Pubs in the country. This one is made up of a comfortable sitting room, followed by a small bar, then opening out into the main dining room and more adjoining rooms. The space has been modernised somewhat. We sat next to the (unlit) fireplace, and had a good view of the rest of the room and the various diners that came.

Rating - 2

Service

Young, eager and polite. They did well enough, but would benefit from a bit more experience. They also need to employ someone who can write legibly and in a straight line for their Specials blackboard.

Rating - 2.5

C-factor

The portions were average size, the prices were not outrageous, but leaning towards the expensive side for a pub, even a posh one at that.

Rating - 0

Brownie Points - 10

Info

Brigsteer, Kendal
Cumbria
LA8 8AN
Phone +44 (0) 15 3956 8254
Website

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