The Crown Inn Munslow

This award winning restaurant is located in the small village of Munslow in south Shropshire.  It was formerly the Hundred House and in the 17th century the local court room. You enter the restaurant up steep stone steps and once inside it is warm and enticing.

Arriving just in time for our 7.30pm dinner reservation it was pleasing to be invited to take our pre dinner drinks to the comfy leather sofas to mull at our leisure over the varied menu. Local Shropshire and Welsh produce with a modern and interesting twist are the theme.

www.crowncountryinn.co.uk/

The starters are priced at a very reasonable £6.95 and our choices included an unusual beetroot and marscapone risotto with feta cheese and a substantial crostini topped with home made black pudding, tomato and local bacon. I opted for the proscuitto ham with warm roasted vegetables, pickles and olives. Look at the presentation which gives you a good impression of the quality at The Crown Inn.

Main courses at £11.95 are equally good, perfectly cooked venison, cod wrapped in panchetta and filo pastry and slow cooked lamb resulted in three clean plates.

There are a decent range of dessert choices the orange and star anise panna cotta with warm roast plums was declared a particular triumph. The ample choice of cheese were entirely local including a soft and creamy brie from Wales. These were served with home made oat biscuits.

The early December weekend with friends is a regular event and food always features prominently The Crown Inn certainly achieved the standards of a high quality restaurant and the relaxing comfortable service is an added bonus.

The Minnis Bay Bar and Restaurant

Thanks to friends who enjoy their food earlier in the year I was introduced to this gem of a restaurant located overlooking Minnis Bay near Birchington Kent.  Do not be put off by the understated exterior inside there is a warm welcome, great views and exceptionally good food.

Visiting on a bright November lunchtime the restaurant had a steady stream of customers. On my earlier visit on a February Saturday the atmosphere was buzzing and every table was full.

Three of our party of four opted for the scallops with, bacon black pudding and pea puree which was delicious

Pork belly with vegetables was also a big hit

Our main courses included local venison prepared two ways, soft and perfectly cooked halibut and the two dishes pictured below of pork and chicken

All enjoyed with perfect friendly services and a wintery sea view

The Minnis caters for all tastes and welcomes all ages, the prices are very good and the quality of the food just right.

theminnis.com