By Ed and Rachel Lancaster
Both of us had wanted to go to the Lavender House for ages and, when the opportunity to do so with the society arose, we jumped at the chance. The difficulty was would Ed be able to find the place driving, his map skills being not overly-developed.
The Lavender House
Starters arrived as well as the accompanying wine. Immediately we could see that the meal was going to be of a high standard as the starters set the tone. There was a sublime dish of ‘Wood Pigeon both breast and leg delicately presented on Savoy cabbage and pumpkin’, others had a perfectly cooked ‘Wild Salmon dish’ whilst the rest of us plumped for something more earthier ‘Chicken of the wood’ which was served with mushrooms, an incredibly delicate dish with strong flavours and a refreshing nasturtium flower.
The wines matched the dishes - a very robust red, Cinsaut shiraz, with the gamey pigeon with the Chilean Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc to help complement the subtle textures of the salmon and the mushrooms. We all started to relax, with plenty of time to swap wine and starter courses with fellow members – I believe this was the only swap going on!
The main courses consisted of three choices though only two were chosen from the group – from my patchy recollection no one had the vegetarian course. There was a ‘Halibut with a mini fish pie’ and a Fillet of Beef (the vegetarian course was Butternut Squash and tofu). The fish pie was presented on an oblong plate with the ‘pie’ contained within a copper pot accompanied with a most delicate piece of halibut, placed on some baby carrots. The beef came perfectly presented with sufficient garlic to deter the most determined vampire - for those who expressed a preference the fillet was cooked to perfection either medium rare or for some ‘just show it to the pan and remove’. The accompanying ‘jus’ was enough to ensure the two were proudly complemented.
The wines to accompany the main courses were again perfect – a pronounced viognier for the fish and a zinfandel to harmonise the beef.
Afterward a palate cleanser was served to prepare us for dessert. Dessert did not disappoint – with two choices or the option of cheese.
A ‘Peanut butter parfait’ with the title of Snickers (I still remember when Snickers was a Marathon!) or a Norfolk Apple Terrine. Again all were presented to the utmost attention and detail – a real credit to the restaurant under the guise of Richard Hughes. The dessert wines were also delicious and powerfully helped our perhaps jaded palates to recover some of their vigour for the onslaught of peanut, apple and cheese!!
During all of this gastronomy there, of course, was ‘conversation’ – some of it surrounding the return of Robbie Williams to Take That or (on a deeper level) ‘Where do lentils come from?’ All very entertaining and for those who remember, good value.
The evening ended all too soon but with a promise by ourselves to return to the Lavender House..
The wines matched the dishes - a very robust red, Cinsaut shiraz, with the gamey pigeon with the Chilean Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc to help complement the subtle textures of the salmon and the mushrooms. We all started to relax, with plenty of time to swap wine and starter courses with fellow members – I believe this was the only swap going on!
The main courses consisted of three choices though only two were chosen from the group – from my patchy recollection no one had the vegetarian course. There was a ‘Halibut with a mini fish pie’ and a Fillet of Beef (the vegetarian course was Butternut Squash and tofu). The fish pie was presented on an oblong plate with the ‘pie’ contained within a copper pot accompanied with a most delicate piece of halibut, placed on some baby carrots. The beef came perfectly presented with sufficient garlic to deter the most determined vampire - for those who expressed a preference the fillet was cooked to perfection either medium rare or for some ‘just show it to the pan and remove’. The accompanying ‘jus’ was enough to ensure the two were proudly complemented.
The wines to accompany the main courses were again perfect – a pronounced viognier for the fish and a zinfandel to harmonise the beef.
Afterward a palate cleanser was served to prepare us for dessert. Dessert did not disappoint – with two choices or the option of cheese.
A ‘Peanut butter parfait’ with the title of Snickers (I still remember when Snickers was a Marathon!) or a Norfolk Apple Terrine. Again all were presented to the utmost attention and detail – a real credit to the restaurant under the guise of Richard Hughes. The dessert wines were also delicious and powerfully helped our perhaps jaded palates to recover some of their vigour for the onslaught of peanut, apple and cheese!!
During all of this gastronomy there, of course, was ‘conversation’ – some of it surrounding the return of Robbie Williams to Take That or (on a deeper level) ‘Where do lentils come from?’ All very entertaining and for those who remember, good value.
The evening ended all too soon but with a promise by ourselves to return to the Lavender House..
eafoodies
Reviews
Navigation
We therefore opted for the train which pitched us into Brundall on a very dark evening - both wearing dark clothes, we proceeded to walk to the restaurant and Ed’s comment as several cars came speeding by was “We’re going to die!!”
Fortunately that did not happen and we arrived at the Lavender House, to be greeted by several of the members who were suspiciously hanging around outside. After a few introductions we went in and were welcomed with a glass of Prosecco and a few nibbles. The table was perfectly located for bar and the loos! We got to know very well those who had a weak bladder! As we were ushered to be seated the remaining members arrived all involving kisses and very fond hellos – for us it was a time of introductions and wishing we had a better memory for names - the old word or image association for us does not seem to work – I don’t think there was anyone there called Tree!
Fortunately that did not happen and we arrived at the Lavender House, to be greeted by several of the members who were suspiciously hanging around outside. After a few introductions we went in and were welcomed with a glass of Prosecco and a few nibbles. The table was perfectly located for bar and the loos! We got to know very well those who had a weak bladder! As we were ushered to be seated the remaining members arrived all involving kisses and very fond hellos – for us it was a time of introductions and wishing we had a better memory for names - the old word or image association for us does not seem to work – I don’t think there was anyone there called Tree!