Review: Red Lion Inn, Birchover
Opting for an early night and a clear head as a busy Saturday loomed, we took the eating out route.
We were attracted to the Red Lion Inn by the Sardinian-influenced fare which contain ingredients made by its owner Matteo Frau, an award-winning cheese maker.
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Hide AdMy starter was a meal in itself. The Sardinian antipasto board (£6.95) was laden with meat, cheese, mussels, olives, salad, a light ciabatta roll and tiny pots of dressing and home-made butter.
My partner opted for smoked salmon (£5.95) which was accompanied by a hunk of brown bread and salad. The large portion was some of the best smoked salmon he had eaten.
For mains, I chose the big burger (£8.95), a double decker meat feast layered with home-cured bacon and cheese and accompanied by chips and salad.
My companion’s dish was more modest, salted beef topped with the owner’s signature cheese, Birchover Blue, in a ciabatta with a side salad. Delicious though it was, he found the generous portion of cheese detracted from the taste of the beef.
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Hide AdFull to bursting after the generous portions, I had no room left for my favourite dessert, sticky toffee pudding. However, that gives me an excuse to return in the daytime so I can also get my fill at the adjacent deli which was launched by the Red Lion’s proprietor three years ago.
Rating: Four stars
The Red Lion Inn,
Main Street,
Birchover
01629 650363