As much as I’m trying to still cook fab meals with an oven in the office, a fridge in a ripped out room and one sink in a far away bedroom, as the weekend loomed and the weather started to turn, both of us just fancied a soothing meal cooked by someone else, served by someone else and washed up by someone else.
Twitter recommendations threw up some great suggestions and we’ve decided to treat ourselves to a roast dinner out once a week. Even though all our pennies are being saved for the renovation, we need some respite and what’s a better comforter than a pile of roast deliciousness once a week? So on Sunday we headed out to posh Knutsford to The Old Sessions House, bang on the high street as you drive into the village.
Decor wise I liked it, it reminded me of Mrs Padmore’s downstairs domain in Downton, lots of stylishly toned timber panelling and moody lighting, warmed by reclaimed brick (home from home?!) and a chunky mustard painted central fireplace. Big parties can bag a booth, wide and convivial or you can sip a cocktail at a beautiful white marble bar reading the papers or watching the footie. I sipped a glass of Tatt whilst he warmed his weary cockles with a decently priced Shiraz, treats indeed.
At £12.95 for two courses and £14.95 for three, this was well priced nosh. Ours starters were completely delicious, creamy haddock rarebit with soft fresh baked bread & lashings of proper salty butter. I make this at home, very well, and this was as excellent as homemade, if not better. Loved it, so did he.
I went for beef, he had turkey (don’t mention the C word it’s still way too early). Great big Yorkshire on mine, decent slices of well cooked meat (my beef not pink as requested but still tender), mash and crispy tasty roasties. Gravy very good and lots of it. My only comment would be that we needed more veg. Every roast dinner needs some balance and the cubes of squash weren’t quite enough. We ordered a side of market veg which nailed it, crispy cauli, carrots and broccoli. I’d have rather paid a bit extra and had it included. Minor quibble though.
Both too stuffed for pudding which is the sign of a great two course special, and we’d go back again without hesitation if only to be served by the delightful staff, who were pleasant, friendly and attentive, best service I’ve had during a meal out in quite some time. Made a noteworthy change from blasé city centre kids with hangovers, attitudes & someone more vital to talk to.
Roll on next week, we’ve had Volta, Parlour, the Plough & Fail (Mobberley), Red Lion (High Lane) and the Shoulder of Mutton in Rammy all recommended – anyone know any more? This could go on for months! 🙂
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