First there was Kine. Excellent little bar and restaurant, now Pale. I’d pop in for a craft beer, occasionally to eat.
Then then there was the White Horse. A pub derelict for years. One of those pubs where sawdust on the floor would have been an improvement. Renovation. The White Horse the original name. Excellent craft beer, food, service, local art on the wall. St Martin’s Square, where the High Street meets The Strait, a little foodie cluster, White Horse, Slow Rise serving pizza and The Mindful Mug serving organic specialty coffee.
Now we have Boot & Shoe in Flintham, a little village off the A46 between Newark and Nottingham.
Initial impression small, until walk down the side and inside, and are surprised to find how large. And that it is an old pub. At a guess an old coaching inn.
I am greeted by name as I walk in
An excellent job of renovation.
At the far end of the bar a log burning stove.
An interesting menu. Not the usual boring pub fare. Spoilt for choice.
But before ordering food, check out the craft beer. Excellent selection. Far better than will find in the average pub. I ordered half a pint of IPA.
It was then back to perusing the menu.
I was tempted to try the burger. Excellent burger at the White Horse. How would the Boot & Shoe compare?
I decided to splash out. Tomahawk pork chop from Redhill Farm. I find pork chops from Redhill Farm too big. Impossible to cook.
Tomahawk pork chop from Redhill Farm with rosti potatoes, grilled mushroom and tomato, watercress and amazing jus otherwise known as gravy. It was excellent.
The jus? I have to be careful here not to give away any trade secrets. A pot of old bones. Simmer for twenty four hours, reduce by half. Red wine, simmer and reduce by half. Very very tasty.
Wherever possible, locally sourced, food freshly prepared in the kitchen.
Coffee is locally sourced, Ferris Wheel The Town. How many restaurants serve specialty coffee? Apart from the White Horse and Boot & Shoe? If you like the coffee and want to buy the beans to brew at home or give as a gift or as a Christmas present, on sale in Madame Waffle coffee shop in Lincoln.
We hear a lot about hospitality failing, pleas for government bailouts. They are failing because they are not of high standards, but blame everyone else. Those that care, are passionate about what they do , be they restaurant or coffee shops, are not failing.
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