Showing posts with label pie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pie. Show all posts

This is an interesting review in that it's a twofer... two-for-one... I decided to visit The Old Forge at Bob's Smithy Inn as I'd been hearing great things about it, and the reviews online were very positive, plus the menu looked hearty and traditional, so I popped along one weekday afternoon.

The outside is a traditional rural English pub, with car park to the rear, and a large outdoor seating area. On a blustery and damp February day, walking inside was a really pleasant experience.



As I walked inside, it was warm and comfortable as a real log fire burned happily in the middle of the room. I saw a room on the far side signposted as "restaurant" but it was in darkness, so I asked about ordering food, as I saw others around eating. The staff member told me that there is a lunch-time bar food menu, but that as it had just turned 2:30pm, that they could only just squeeze my order in, as the kitchen closes for the afternoon until the restaurant opens at 6pm. This was a bit of a surprise as I hadn't seen food serving times on the website, but this was fair enough, I ordered a glass of Coke and sat by the warm fire and had a read through the bar menu.



In fairness the menu was actually pretty good, with a good few tasty offerings. I decided to order the traditional beef burger with chips. During my wait I was able to chat to the very friendly bar staff, who made me feel very welcome.

My food arrived... albeit on a "serving plank" rather than a plate. This is a bit of a modern fad I'm not much of a fan of... I don't see what's wrong with a normal plate! However, the food arrived well presented (aside said plank), and looked very appetising.



Although the burger is cooked through as standard and so not pink inside, this burger was by no means dry or tough, but very juicy, and packed with flavour which genuinely surprised me as I took a bite. A really delicious and unctuous burger. Likewise, the home made chips which accompanied (in a little galvanised bucket) were perfectly hot, crispy on the outside and fluffy and hot inside with a great crunch.

However, it was so filling that even though the friendly bar staff showed me the desserts board, I just had no room to attempt it! One that caught my eye was a sticky toffee sundae! Yum! 

I paid up (very reasonably so!) and said that I'd have to visit again soon, and definitely try that sundae!

Now here's where it gets interesting. A few days later, after a day out with my partner, I suggested trying the Old Forge on a whim, and after phoning them, I found that the restaurant itself was open during the day on a sunday, so we booked a table and drove over. We entered what was now a very busy and popular pub, with families and friends sat around drinking, eating and chatting, as well behaved dogs sat by their feet, hoping for the occasional end of a bit of sausage to be thrown their way. We walked through to the restaurant.



The Old Forge feels considerably different to the bar area, and is more modern bistro than rural pub. The restaurant is decorated in shades of green, black, and cream, with dark wooden modern furniture, but whilst retaining the traditional Italian Restaurant style candle-in-a-wine-bottle on each table.

We read through the menu, which was also reasonably priced at either two or three courses for a set price. A young staff member offered to take our coats, and took our drinks order as she told us the specials and specifics of that day's menu. For our starters, my partner ordered chicken pâté, and I opted for the cod goujons with tartare sauce.



The pâté arrived on one of those bloody serving boards again, but the pâté itself was tasty, and served with a simple side salad and relish. The cod goujons were delicious. The fish itself was delicious, and the batter was perfectly crisp. I couldn't fault a single thing with it... it even came on a plate! Huzzah!

For our mains, we both realised we were in a "pie mood" and chose the cheese and onion pie and steak pie respectively. 


Both pies were really enjoyable with a good crust, and felt truly home-made. They came with a carrot and mash puree and vegetables in the form of cabbage, green beans, and cauliflower. They were also accompanied by the same big chunky chips I mentioned earlier! Lovely! The steak pie that I ordered also came with a really sumptuous gravy, the kind with a proper sheen on top letting you KNOW it's going to be good!

For dessert my partner ordered an apple tart with custard, and I ordered the classic jam roly poly (with custard, of course!). Both arrived well presented, but we realised that the apple tart had come with ice cream instead of custard, however this wasn't anything to kick up a fuss about, as we both agreed the desserts were delicious. The apple tart was tasty but perhaps could've been a little bigger, wheras the jam roly poly had that real comfort food feel to it, and rounded the meal off absolutely perfectly.

Throughout the meal we were taken good care of by attentive but not overbearing staff, the food was excellent in all regards, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit, pledging to very much do so again, and to bring friends and family along as well, especially considering they proved themselves equally capable with a lunch bar menu and an evening restaurant menu, without compromising on quality or service. Well done! :)

The Old Forge Restaurant at Bob's Smithy Inn
Chorley New Road
Bolton
BL1 7PX
(01204) 842 622
http://www.bobssmithy.co.uk/
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Pie is life. Pie is love. I've never seen anywhere take their love of pie quite so seriously as this place. There are photos of pies, photos of things related to pies, pie related jokes, and even pies on the toilet doors and on photos in the toilets! Remember Pie-Face from The Beano? Everything in his life was pie focused and pie related and shaped. Welcome to Pieminister, in Manchester.



We visited on a cold Thursday afternoon in November, but as you walk into the small shop front in the heart of the Northern Quarter, there's a fantastic warm atmosphere, both in the steamed up windows from the warmth of the food and the people, but also in the cosy seating, everyone sat together chatting, relaxing, laughing, and munching on pies!

I've wanted to try Pieminister for a long time. Their pie menu on their website sounds amazing, and I wanted to try some as soon as I read it!

I visited with my partner, and we were quickly seated on a table by the stairs, and right by a cabinet showing all of the lovely pies available, behind which the staff were busying away in a small galley kitchen-cum-bar area. Even before we ordered, it was great watching all of the meals being assembled with good hearty portions and good quality stuff!



Looking at the menu, it's what you'd expect, but happily so. They do pies. Good pies. Lots of pies. That's what they do. Pies. There's also Festive Pies at this time of year, a few pie-similar light meals, and a superb array of traditional sides to go with pies. Pies pies pies!

So from the menu I chose the Free Ranger with minted mushy peas and gravy, whereas my partner opted for the epically named MOTHERSHIP, which is a pie (he chose Fungi Chicken) with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, minted mushy peas, crispy shallots, and gravy. It's enough to make a grown Northern man weep manly tears of joy!





Although there was a little bit of a wait (as it was very busy), the atmosphere was relaxed, warm, and comfortable, so it wasn't really much of an issue, especially when you'll have to simply believe me when I say it was worth the wait!!

Our pies arrived in those classic camping style metal bowls. The bottom layer was the creamy mash, with the pie sat on top of it, then the minted mushy peas dolloped lovingly on top of that. The meals go upwards, which given that my partner's meal also had crispy shallots and cheddar cheese, gives you the idea of why it was named 'The Mothership', our gravy was served in traditional chrome gravy boats on the side. I must admit I tried some of my partner's crispy shallots and I am DEFINITELY ordering those next time!!

The quality of the food was outstanding. The mash was perfectly creamy and traditional, the pies themselves succulent and tender, and perfectly seasoned, with just the right firmness to the pastry, wheras the minted mushy peas were good old fashioned nostalgia. All of these combined (along with a bottle of Fentimans Dandelion and Burdock) delivered the perfect homely, nostalgic, comforting dinner that perfectly accompanied a freezing cold November afternoon in Manchester.

Forgive the lighting, we were sat under a neon red sign!


The service was friendly, efficient and professional. We were met with smiles and helpful attitudes whenever we needed to ask staff something, right up to paying and leaving.

Pieminister, keep doing what you're doing, you're doing it so very very right, and I thoroughly look forward to returning again soon, by myself, with my partner, with my friends, and with my parents and family. I can't imagine anyone leaving your restaurant without a smile on their faces!



Pieminister
53 Church Street
Manchester 
M4 1PD
(0161) 819 1279
www.pieminister.co.uk


Pieminister Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Pieminister

by on 23:00
Pie is life. Pie is love. I've never seen anywhere take their love of pie quite so seriously as this place. There are photos of pies, ...
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Jippie's Deli at Botany Bay is the delicious evolution of what was once The Cheese Shop. Jippie's now offers beer, wines, vinegars, sauces, pies, snacks and chutneys as well as a wide variety of cheese, so it only made sense to embrace the title of "deli". Located on the ground floor of Botany Bay, it sits in the middle new food hall area. Janice, the vivacious owner, tells me that the name "Jippie's Deli" is based on her son's nickname, who has been known as Jippie since he was small. When asked why, she laughs and says, "I've no idea, actually!"



And embrace it she has! As well as the delicious deli offerings, she also offers a dine-in menu of classics such as the Ploughman's pie or quiche, meat platters, cheese platters, and tapas selections, all at reasonable prices. You can even enjoy your lunch with a beer or a glass of wine.

Today I opted for the Ploughman's Pie Platter, which comes with your choice of cheese and pie (both of which are available to purchase seperately also), and I accompanied it with a chilled lemon and lime flavoured water. I chose the Blacksticks Blue cheese and a classic Figit Pie, but the meal that appeared was very generous for a Ploughman's! Fresh crispy salad, apples, grated carrot, boiled eggs and juicy tomatoes accompanied my pie and cheese, along with fabulously crunchy croûtons and fresh bread from neighbouring store All You Knead, and accompanied by chutney, silverskin onions, and coleslaw.



Needless to say, it was a delicious lunch, and very filling. I even had to take some home with me. The quality of the ingredients and size of the portions are something Janice takes great pride in. She tells me her plans for future dishes and potential stock additions to the deli, as well as her plans to attend occasional food festivals to offer her products (including cakes), and promote the deli. 



















The other big feature of the deli is The Cheese Shop, which offers a huge array of various cheesy delights, from wonderful local cheeses, to sticky toffee cheese, white stilton, and even the notorious "Kick Ass" and "True Grit" cheeses. The Cheese Shop itself is worth a visit alone, but I personally wouldn't be able to come here just to browse at the cheese, and not end up ordering something delicious and fresh for lunch!



So when you next find yourself in Chorley, or on the motorway zipping past that big Botany Bay mill, consider pulling in and giving Jippie's Deli a try for a nice lunch, or if you want to take home a pie and some delicious cheese. You'll thank me later. 




Jippie's Deli
Botany Bay
Botany Brow
Chorley
PR6 9AF
07850 014320

Jippie's Deli

by on 13:40
Jippie's Deli at Botany Bay is the delicious evolution of what was once The Cheese Shop. Jippie's now offers beer, wines, ...
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I must admit, Tavern Fayre is one of those places I've driven past on multiple occasions, believing it to be one of those chain type food pubs, mainly due to its name and the style of its signage, but after reading wonderful things about it over on my friend DollyBakes' blog, I was eager to give it a try!


The first impression as you walk in is that you're not walking into one of those pubs where everyone's sat around looking at you as you step inside. I hate that. Instead, the décor inside is warm, friendly and welcoming, with roaring open fireplaces and colours and designs separating the large space into different areas without using big intrusive walls. This gave the place an eclectic and sprawling feel, and made you want to look around. In particular, the main restaurant area is two floors in height, but has beams where I assume the second floor would have been, which gives a very dramatic and interesting look!


When we first entered the above area, we stood at the 'wait here to be seated' podium for a few minutes, as nobody seemed to be available, but there was a lot of staff movement bringing out food and working behind counters, so it was forgiveable. The only thing is that on the podium was a notice, saying how smoking isn't allowed, but also nor was the use of electronic cigarettes. I've not seen this sort of problem before, so I can only assume they have their reasons. The entire restaurant is also wheelchair friendly, which is nice, and has free WiFi, you just need to ask someone for the password.

Before long, a member of staff appeared and took us to a nice little section in the middle of the restaurant, which felt like it was in its own little room due to the use of colours, flooring types, and fabric/curtain dividers. At this point, although it was forgotten with us, it seems as people are lead to their tables, they're also given a jug of water, which is a pleasant touch. I didn't realise this until later on, even though we had water glasses on the table. We didn't mind though, as we ordered some soft drinks straight away anyway.

There are a few things about this venue which don't quite marry together for me though. The general décor and furnishings are lovely, and quite traditional, but there is the occasional 'chef's special' chalkboard or sign which is done in a very modern style, looking like the sort of thing you'd see in a service station, and didn't quite fit in with the rest of the design. Sadly, the menus fell under this category too. I don't mean the content, but the menus themselves were a large two-sided piece of laminated paper, with the odd bit of cheap clip-art dotted around on it. A shame really as it was quite a cheap look, and the plastic was bending and splitting at the edges. Some nice properly made card menus would be a lot nicer.


The good thing though was the selection of offerings on the menus, which were very enticing, and good value too! Both my dining partner, Phil, and I at some point had decided on three separate meals each before we settled on a choice, but we made it clear to our friendly and helpful waitress that we'd be trying the other options next time! We also decided that we were going to opt for a main and dessert, rather than chancing a starter and having no room afterwards! The starters did sound very nice though.



Phil settled on the steak pie, which he said was very tasty with very tender meat. His chosen potato option of mash was a superb accompaniment, as it was creamy and buttery. No insta-mash here, folks! It came with a side of cabbage and carrots.



I however took Dolly's recommendation of the hand-salted gammon! I have to say that she was NOT wrong... this is quite probably the best gammon I have ever had! Bursting with flavour without tasting like a mouth of salty seawater! It was juicy and tender. I cut a bit of fat off the edge, but Phil then pointed out that it wasn't fat, it was just a gooooood cut of meat, and was delicious meat right to the edge! Superb! I chose to have roast potatoes for the potato option, which were nice. It also came with the cabbage and carrots. The carrots were cooked nicely, but they sadly didn't have much flavour to them. I had ordered some pork gravy on the side in case I wanted to try it on the gammon, as I prefer gravy rather than an egg or pineapple, but after tasting the gammon, the gravy did not touch a single bit of it! You really must try this gammon!

The meals were filling, but we were determined to have one of the amazing desserts we'd seen in the dessert cabinet as we walked in, as they looked wonderful! So we had a 'breather' as it were, and sat and chatted for a bit, letting our food go down. During this point I decided to pop to the Gents toilets, which were clean and modern, but had 9 urinals, two toilets, and two sinks... which seems a little odd to me. The only problem with the toilets was that the taps were those horrific single push button taps that tend to stay on for 4 seconds, and then shut off. Was it going to splash forcefully into the sink and spray all over me? Gladly not, but it was however a very weak stream of water. The hand dryers were 1980s looking monstrosities too. There was another one of those "electronic cigarette" notices in here too. Also I can't speak for the Ladies toilets, but the gents only had a single mirror, and it wasn't by the sinks, but was in fact on the other side of the room.
The toilets were fine, but just need a bit of a glamming up, stick in a couple of Dyson airblades, some proper taps, and you'd be laughing. 

Right! Dessert time! Phil had his eye on a big chocolate fudge cake he saw sitting in the counter, but when we went back, it seemed to have gone. However the waitress behind the counter pulled it out from underneath, and Phil's face lit up!


He was asked if he'd like it hot or cold, to which he chose hot, and chose cream as its accompaniment. He said that the chocolate fudge cake itself was deliciously chocolatey, without being a really heavy cake as is often the case. Other options in the dessert cabinet included a strawberry pavlova, LumpyBumpy, a fruit cheesecake, and a caramel creamy concoction I didn't catch the name of. Aside the desserts on show, they offer a range of hot desserts and ice creams. I opted for the "Hot Sticky Pudding", which didn't fully explain what it was, or how big it was, but I was told it was essentially a sticky toffee pudding, but with butterscotch. I love butterscotch. The girl showed me the pudding itself, which was in a little pot she brought out from under the chiller, so I was slightly worried that it was going to be microwaved, but for the time it took to come out, I don't think it was, I imagine it was popped into an oven again for a little while.



What turned up was a wonderful smelling steaming hot sponge, sitting in a pool of hot custard, drizzled with butterscotch. The sponge was piping hot, moist, wonderfully rich, and delicious! I'm glad I opted for it! Next time I might try it with ice cream instead, but the custard was heavenly, it has to be said!

So now it was time for the bill. Uh oh. You know when you've had a great meal out and you think, "this is going to be a pricy one, but it's a one off!"? Well that's how we were feeling as we went to pay... however, we found that our bill was a total of just £33.54! £33.54!! If this restaurant was in Manchester City Centre or one of the trendy suburbs, they could charge double that! We were thrilled, and told the staff we'd be back again soon, which we damn well will be, and probably with the parents!

Go and give it a try, it's a fantastic place for dinner! They serve food until 10:00pm Monday - Saturday, and 9:00pm on a Sunday. They also have a very large and spacious car park.


Two mains, two pints of soft drinks and two desserts came to £33.54


Tavern Fayre
Wigan Rd,
Hunger Hill, Bolton
(01204) 62861
www.tavernfayre.net


Tavern Fayre on Urbanspoon

Tavern Fayre

by on 11:22
I must admit, Tavern Fayre is one of those places I've driven past on multiple occasions, believing it to be one of those chain typ...
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PLEASE NOTE: This venue has since CLOSED, but may be reopening elsewhere in the future.



I'm thrilled to say that Delicieux is one of the best places I've known to open in Bolton for YEARS! Standing where the former "Zest" once stood, Delicieux has really breathed new life into the place, the blank white outside now has strong pastel stripes down the side, and stylish new signage and decals.

Walking into Delicieux feels very different to when it was Zest. It's much more homely and the new soft furnishings, novelty cushions, and even blankets for those wishing to use them during winter months add a little comfort to what was previously quite a formal feeling and unwelcoming dining room. Solid wooden tables with a mix of chairs, armchairs and stools make it a place very easy to settle into comfortably with a pot of tea! It also has an outdoor seating area for warmer days, with a lovely view. It has one toilet, but it's modern, clean, and of a good enough size to be able to be used as a disabled toilet too.
It makes sense that it calls itself "deli and dining" as their deli section complete with both sweet and savoury offerings is well stocked and nice to see, as is their lovely local produce such as local jams, local butter, and local artisan breads are a wonder to behold, a real treat... but they also excel in both the "tea room" aspect, complete with its fantastic array of pastries, cakes and tarts, even offering some great afternoon teas, at a fraction of the cost of the places in the city centre, but with all of the quality, if not a little more; they're even looking into offering a "chocaholics afternoon tea" replacing tea with hot chocolate, and cakes with chocolates which look mind-blowingly like cakes! It must also be stated that the hot chocolate served at Delicieux is the best I've ever tasted, made with real melted chocolate! You should go there for that alone if anything! 
The juicy Delicieux burger
As well as the deli/tea room aspects, they also offer some truly great dining options with superb quality food and produce. They offer everything from a simple jam and toast, to a great big juicy Delicieux Burger! Their triple-cooked chips are some of the best I've ever tasted, especially with the "Mojo Mayo", a creation by the owner herself, who is often trying new things for the deli, baking fresh cakes, puddings, and daily specials, as well as offering special platters using the current deli offerings, so it's always nice to be asked which type of mayo you want from the three types they offer when you ask for some! When I went today she had freshly made some sticky toffee pudding pies... which frankly were so sublime they could make a grown man weep!




Their main gimmick is that they serve a fresh, home cooked, locally produced breakfast platter... and serve it at the table, in the pan! It works remarkably well, and is a superb breakfast! 


Don't even TRY to resist the cake counter!
The service at Delicieux is some of the best I've experienced in the entire country. The owner, Debbie, and her staff are friendly, engaging, and take a genuine interest in the customers. They give a really warm welcome, are incredibly professional, and manage to exceed expectations every time I've gone in! Today for example I wanted to try the sticky toffee pudding pie mentioned earlier, but instead of just giving it to me in a box to take away, she asked if I wanted to stay in, and said she could warm it up a little in the oven, and serve it with some clotted cream if I so wanted... I very much did! (Yum!) She brought it over herself, as she is very much a hands-on owner, happy to engage with the customers, work behind the counter, in the kitchen, and bringing the food out herself.

It should be noted that as it's become so popular, the parking outside the venue gets busy quite quickly, but there is also additional parking down a slope to the left of the deli itself, which is specifically for the deli's customers. The sign says "20 cars" parking down there, but I would suggest it's closer to 10 spaces. That really is the only thing I could criticise, and even then it's only because they're doing such tremendous trade that they're always so busy! However it should also be noted that they offer a fabulous "Grab and Go!" section immediately as you walk inside, so you can grab a sandwich and head out, or sit on one of the stools by the grab and go bar, and just have a quick salad and a brew before dashing off.

This is definitely an up and coming place here in Bolton, and they've obviously tried to do something different to other local establishments, and it works incredibly well.

They're open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, but even at 5:10pm when we were leaving, a customer walked in, and instead of the owner saying "sorry we're closed" etc, she put on her big smile and said "Hello there! What can I do for you?" . That's service, right there!

Delicieux is quickly becoming the place to be in Bolton, and certainly becoming my favourite haunt! Go now! I'll see you there!

Delicieux
889 Moss Bank Way
Smithills, Bolton
(01204) 492 300

 Delicieux on Urbanspoon

Delicieux [CLOSED]

by on 20:34
PLEASE NOTE: This venue has since CLOSED, but may be reopening elsewhere in the future. I'm thrilled to say that Delicieux is o...
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