"Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy." -Benjamin Franklin. Just seen this on twitter and liked it. That's all (chuckle).

The Chequers Inn

The Chequers Inn
Main Street, Woolsthorpe by Belvoir, Grantham, NG32 1LU
Tel. 0845 2018718
www.chequersinn.net

The Chequers is a particular favourite of the Gastrosexualist and a regular haunt of his family. This 17th-century inn is situated a couple of miles from Belvoir Castle in the little village of Woolsthorpe, next to the local cricket field. Back in 2006 it formed the idyllic setting for the Gastrosexualist’s wedding reception and so there is something of an emotional investment. Imagine having a bad experience here? Surely it would taint the memory of so fine a day? Yet we visit regularly and never have we experienced a bad meal or anything less than excellent service (and do not expect to find it otherwise). Owners Jo and Justin Chad and their team did us proud and continue to do so. It is hard to beat as a charmingly intimate, attractive country hiding place, full of character with its lovely garden area, the dining rooms combining modern design flair with historic original features, a cosy bar overseen by a ferocious mounted boar’s head, and crackling open fires.
We made our way to The Chequers for a spot of Sunday lunch. I had pestered The Flower to stop for a cheeky pint at The Old Peacock in Redmile (well worth a visit as it is on the way, a decent pint of Bombardier in a snug room with low-ceilings, wooden beams and all the trimmings of a top country hostelry). Then it was up to Belvoir castle and down again, winding past sheep pastures to where the village of Woolsthorpe snuggles at the bottom of the hill looking like something out of an episode of Marple. The Chequers was agreeably busy - we opened the door to be greeted by a pleasing buzz of conversation and warm laughter. The bar has two large tables for informal drinking or dining which can be shared companionably. The Sunday papers were laid out and being swapped between customers. Some had just popped in to enjoy a friendly drink and fend off the November chill before the roaring open fire, more than a few couples had been walking dogs and these lay at their feet looking content. One or two regulars sat at the bar contemplating the decent selection of draught ales, lagers and extensive range of spirits (and over fifty whiskeys).
We ate in the red lounge (there are two other dining areas) next to another open fire, having opted for the very reasonably priced Sunday lunch deal of two courses for £11.95. We finished the drinks we brought in with us from the bar while enjoying freshly baked bread that was served to the table promptly – still warm, light and delicate, smelling deliciously. I soon dived into my starter of mushroom soup finding it pleasingly substantial, creamy and seasoned perfectly, with just a hint of garlic. The Flower was delighted to find battered squid on the menu and proclaimed the rings to be cooked just right, with a fantastic texture, the exact amount of bite and softness, and a tangy chilli jam that went extremely well with the generous serving. I found the main course of roast rib of beef to be spot on: a medium rare, melt in the mouth treat. It came with decent roast potatoes and a show-off Yorkshire pudding, a well-judged amount of meaty gravy completing a big plate. Try this with a large glass of Black Shiraz – delicious. The Flower’s individual fish pie was fantastic. Just what was needed on a cold day and comfort food at its finest: topped with potato and cheese, creamy and warming but letting the delicate flavours and textures of the fish shine through, in short a big hug of a dish. These mains came served with a selection of seasonal vegetables that were cooked just the right side of firm.
We finished this entirely satisfying lunch with a drink back out in the bar, lounging on an antique bench covered in a fur throw like something the witch from Narnia would drape across her sleigh. The fire was dancing merrily; the mounted boar’s head watched the lazy Sunday proceedings with a patrician’s air. We drank glasses of warm winter Pimms. At some point we would have to leave and step back out into the cold. But not right away.

Nostalgia!

While researching for a review on The Chequers at Woolsthorpe by Belvoir, I came across a copy of their menu for the Gastrosexualist's wedding reception in 2006 that I helped create. Fabulous dishes, you don't often get these choices for a wedding! Wonderfully cooked. Everyone was in raptures. A fantastic job.

Starter

Chequers pate, toasted brioche and red onion marmalade
Seared salmon, Mediterranean chutney, char-grilled foccacia

Main course

Roast loin of pork and crackling, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables
Chicken and leek pie, new potatoes and seasonal vegetables
Pan fried Monkfish, Sauté new potatoes, green beans and tomato butter sauce

Pudding

Tarte au citron with a raspberry coulis
Chocolate and hazelnut truffle cake

The Moorings Bar & Restaurant
34 Castlegate, Newark, Notts NG24 1BG
Tel. 01636 611118
www.themooringsrestaurantandbar.co.uk

“You are talking about the Goldilocks zone,” stated The Gastrosexualist, slipping into lecturer mode. “Scientists are using it all the time these days in connection to the search for extra-solar planets, planets light years away beyond our solar system, Earth like worlds that might potentially support life.”
“How is that connected to this?” The Flower asked. She gestured at her starter of cured salmon, toasted brioche and poached egg. It sat before her on a pristine plate, the cutlery gleaming, glasses sparkling, on a table polished and clean.
First a sip of the French house red, the 2008 Baron d’Arignac: smooth, tangy, fruity and eminently quaffable. “Well the orbit of these planets must lie within a particular zone - neither too close nor too far from their sun, neither too hot nor too cold – in a position just right. Like Earth... and, yes, kind of how Goldilocks’ described her porridge. And as you put it just a moment ago, this starter is just right: portion size, temperature, seasoning, mix of ingredients, a perfect combination of elements, simply perfect little dish.” Regretting the explanation I dived back into the starter, noting how a clever addition of balsamic glaze to decorate the plate helped bring the dish together even more. A feather-light sweet brioche, fabulous poached egg oozing unctuous yolk as soon as my fork brushed it, fresh and flavoursome salmon, that lip-smacking touch of balsamic.
We have come today to The Moorings, an exciting and vibrant new venue in Newark. This bar and restaurant is situated in what was once an old coaching inn, dating as far back as 1770. You can find The Moorings sitting plumb in the shadow of Newark castle overlooking the river Trent and the town lock. It can be approached from two sides – the river itself (nice little walk this) or from the road and through into the courtyard it shares with the fabulous Just Beer Micro pub (highly recommended for real ale connoisseurs). The Moorings aims to dazzle with a sexy and sophisticated first impression. It aims for drama. The bar area boasts funky design touches and fun, vibrant colour mixed with sassy tones and swanky velvet. A great range of drinks are on offer here and the bar menu with its sharer platters, chunky sarnies, hand cut chips, olives, soup and freshly made bread is mighty tempting for a generous snack. There is a separate dining area which is modern but comfortable, full of sparkle and flair yet warm and relaxing. Overhead candelabras glitter opulently and light-toned oak beams show the character of the venue but do not overwhelm. It is an intimate space and well-laid out managing ample room between the tables. The smartly uniformed staff members work the restaurant well and are charming, knowledgeable and professional.
The lunch menu is wisely pared down but offers some tantalising choices with two courses at £11.95 or three at £15.95. As mentioned it was the salmon starter for both of us, followed by a locally sourced 10oz rump steak for me (note a £5 supplement but well worth the extra cost) – grilled medium rare and perfectly succulent and juicy (best I’ve had for some time in fact). This was served with hand cut chunky chips cooked in proper fat, seasoned well, a nice sized mushroom and a lovely side salad. The Flower, feeling daring, opted for the blue swimmer crab and prawn risotto which hit the spot nicely, not too creamy, great consistency, fresh meaty crab but not overpowering , lemony but not sharp, with plump prawns bursting with flavour. The Gastrosexualist also eyed up the lemon and thyme roasted chicken, this being served with new potatoes and a French bean and shallot salad to a table nearby - it looked (and smelled) divine.
The Moorings impressed. It has passion. There is nothing quite like this restaurant and bar in Newark. It could have been let down by mediocre, so-so food that failed to live up to the hype and promise of its glamorous image but menu, presentation, sourcing of ingredients, skill of the chef and flavour of the dishes made this venue an absolute treat.
Try it – you can even slip in the ad hoc astronomy lecture if you dare.