AA Rosette dining at Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Restaurant

Within 5 minutes of leaving the A1 near Retford, you can be enjoying AA Rosette dining in a former 17th century coaching inn that has welcomed an eclectic mix of visitors over the years, from Queen Victoria and One Direction!

Genevieve and I decided to head north to Ye Olde Bell Hotel, Restaurant & Spa and check it out on a cold blustery day – fortunately, the hotel staff were one step ahead of us and we sat in front of a roaring open fire and turned our attention to lunch.

Whilst the beautiful Restaurant Bar 1650 tempted us, there was a gentle buzz of conversation coming from the St Leger Bistro-by-the-Bar as bridal couples met to talk excitedly about their wedding plans and other guests enjoyed afternoon tea, so we decided to savour the atmosphere and eat there.
 

Jayne (me): I knew that as soon as I saw the menu, my ‘beach body ready’ good intentions would fly out of the window, and they kind of did as I chose oven baked halibut with petit pois, crevette broth, scallop dust and lemon foam. A real step up from my usual ‘what’s left in the fridge?’ lunch – what a treat! This Masterchef-style creation was served with buttered new potatoes and was a light dish yet still full of creamy flavour. I did deliberate for quite a while over whether to plump for beer battered haddock and chips instead but, on the basis that I might accrue enough brownie points for a dessert, I opted for the halibut. I made a great choice. Brownie points in the bag, it was time to choose from the dessert selection. Whilst I could almost taste the lemon meringue with gingerbread and raspberry, any option that includes rhubarb immediately seduces me so wild rhubarb crumble with vanilla ice cream it was. My taste buds are actually tingling again whilst I type this – absolutely amazing. Quite possibly one of my favourite desserts ever. Perfect crumble topping, tangy al dente rhubarb and a delicious vanilla ice cream. No wonder the hotel enjoys AA Rosette status.
 

Genevieve: My vegan diet can sometimes be a stumbling block when dining out, so I immediately felt at ease when the friendly staff presented me with a specific vegan menu to choose from. A huge tick straight away. The menu choices did not disappoint either, making it a difficult choice between the stuffed pepper with an intriguing spring green gel and the roast aubergine with white truffle rice, pea puree, artichoke, beetroot leaf and pomme sauté. I opted for the roast aubergine and thoroughly enjoyed the layering of flavours and textures brought about by the fresh ingredients and considered cooking. The dessert choice was far easier – Champagne sorbet – yes please! Served along with a vegan version of the rhubarb crumble, the sorbet stole the show. The crumble was delicious with the tart rhubarb coated in sweetness, but the sorbet was something else with a bold Champagne flavour. It is clear to see why this hotel restaurant has the accolades it does, a friendly and professional approach, teamed with a chef who uses the best of ingredients and a beautiful environment - if you haven’t been yet, this should be at the top of your to do list.

We could have quite happily returned to the lounge and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in front of the welcoming fire, but the A1 and work beckoned. We’ll be back though – that’s a promise.

To find out more about Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Restuarant, please click here.

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This blog was written by Jayne Nightingale, Marketing NG Partnerships Manager, and Genevieve Preece, Marketing NG Communications Executive.