Rings restaurant at Jinney Ring Centre, Hanbury.
10:21am Friday 11th April 2008
THERE is something a bit different about Ring's restaurant. First, the location: a little off the beaten track, nestled among the violin makers, jewellers and craft shops of the Jinney Ring craft centre in Hanbury.
The restaurant itself is cosy and welcoming, with timbered beams decorated with old wheels and farmyard tools.
On arrival, the front of house manager, also our waiter, opened the door to greet us and ushered us to a lounge area where we examined the menus next to a roaring fire and enjoyed complimentary canapes.
We were the only two diners - due, we were told, to a midweek lull after a busy Easter weekend - but, to the restaurant's credit, we were warned it was quiet when we booked.
To start, I choose the sautéed wild mushrooms with garlic served on toasted brioche (£5.50) and my guest had seared prawns in a Thai broth (£6.45). Both meals arrived promptly at our candlelit table.
My mushrooms were tasty, with not too much garlic, and offset nicely by the sweetness of the brioche.
My companion said his lightly spiced broth contained a wealth of juicy, different sized prawns, accompanied by four generous wedges of delicious bread.
I then chose boeuf stroganoff which came seared with mushrooms, cream and brandy and a timbale of long grain and wild rice (£16.50). The meat was tender, the sauce was delicate and there was plenty of everything.
My partner said his fillet steak with five onion sauce, horseradish mash and red wine jus (£17.95) was also excellent. He commented several times on the quality of the steak and expressed surprise that the horseradish mash was not overpowering.
The meals came with new potatoes, carrots and asparagus and a cheesy sweet potato mash which was a big hit.
For dessert, I had the orange and lemon tart with creme fraiche (£6.25), which was beautifully presented and extremely refreshing.
However, I was still jealous when my guest's toffee pie with caramelised bananas (£5.75) turned out to be a chocolate-covered gooey extravaganza which he claimed was the best pudding he had ever tasted.
I did, however, think the prices were a little high and, excluding drinks, our meal cost £58.40.
However, those willing to pay a bit extra for a special treat should look no further.
HOW IT RATEDRing's Restaurant, Jinney Ring craft centre, Hanbury Road, Hanbury Telephone: 01527 821272Food **** Value for money *** Ambience *** Service ****