There is something fishy happening with the menu at The Plough, in Alnwick. Savour went to investigate
Fish lovers take heed, it has emerged that The Plough’s new menu is going down swimmingly with visitors. The trendy, boutique restaurant is the ‘plaice’ to be in Alnwick – and it is now offering the same juicy morsels that you’ll find at its sister restaurant, The Jolly Fisherman, in Craster, Northumberland.
Renamed The Jolly Fisherman at The Plough, the restaurant serves up dishes such as Craster crab thermidor and sticky apples and rye bread. But cast your rods aside, as it is not just fish dishes. There is also a good selection of locally-sourced meat too, such as Northumbrian sirloin steak and pressed belly of organic pork. Savour put the new menu to the test …
Sauté king scallops
Chorizo, butternut squash puree and pea shoot salad – starter £8.50
The clue is in the title, this is the king of starters – in our eyes. Freshly caught scallops delivered each day by hodgson fish, in hartlepool, have a sweet taste that when combined with the spiciness of the chorizo create a taste sensation.
Warm pigeon breast
Beetroot, garlic and thyme salad with game jus – starter £8.25
Rich and tasty, this dish is packed full of flavour. It wasn’t our favourite dish, but the pigeon works wonderfully with the beetroot and the game jus is perfect for dunking it into.
Craster kipper scotch egg
Truffle mayonnaise and parmesan twist dipping soldiers – starter £7.95
That’s right, there’s no sausage meat in this scotch egg. Instead, you’ll find kipper pate mixed with potatoes. Served with a runny egg, and truffle mayonnaise which is not too overpowering, we know why this dish is billed as the plough’s signature.
The Jolly’s marseille bouillabaisse
main course £17.95
Thou shalt have a fishy … or a number of different types in this case. Monkfish, red snapper, mussels, saffron crab and clams served in a tomato sauce make for a divine fish stew. Plus, you get rye bread for mopping up every last mouthful.
Lamb rump
Honey puy lentils, parmentier potatoes, roast baby veg, mint jelly and rosemary sauce – main course, £18.95
Juicy. Check. Tender. Check. Pink in the middle. Check. Expect cooked to perfection lamb. Need we say anymore?
Game pie
Venison, pigeon and pheasant in hot water crust pastry, game chipped potatoes, roast baby veg and meat juices – main course, £19.95
Warning: wear elasticated trousers when opting for this! The plough certainly doesn’t scrimp on portion size with any of its dishes, but for this one in particular you will need a stout constitution. It packs a punch with flavour too and the rich, thick gravy is superb.
An assiette of desserts
Each one is sold separately on the menu – all £5.95
Peanut butter and chocolate terrine, lemon posset, baileys cheesecake and doddington ice cream – you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to sweet treats at the plough. Savour’s fave: the gooey peanut butter and chocolate terrine.
Visit theploughalnwick.co.uk, or thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk
