Over the years, we have carried many posts about The Wild Boar near Windermere – the opening of their smokehouse and their new menus. I have read many articles in the national press about this beautiful smokehouse gill, restaurant and inn that I often wondered if it would Iive up to its amazing reputation – and after dining there this week I can say with hand-on-heart it certainly does – and some.
Having driven through the stunning Gilpin Valley, we arrived shortly before 7 pm in the light photographers call ‘the golden hour’ and the white-washed inn – one of the oldest in the Lake District – looked calm and tranquil.
In-house smokehouse
As we walked from the car park we passed the smokehouse where the alchemy with fresh local produce takes place, raising the taste experience to another level. We knew we were in for an amazing culinary adventure as we walked into the inn which was like stepping back in time with the original features carefully enhanced within the relaxed decor. This is a stylish inn, and the restaurant so classically authentic, British rural chic
Authentic, British rural chic
Stepping inside was like entering the TARDIS, much bigger on the inside than out – and with tables spaced perfectly to ensure a warm atmosphere, yet maintaining the privacy of diners.
We received a warm welcome as we entered and were shown to our window table by our waiter for the evening, Tom, who guided us through the menu to ensure we found the perfect combination for our tastes.
From the very start of our meal, the quality of the produce was second to none. The bread rolls with pumpkin seeds, from Lovingly Artisan, were rich in flavour and texture.
Vegetarian smokehouse experience
For my starter, I opted for a vegetarian dish (to balance out the main meal recommendation that Tom gave me!), yet included the smokehouse experience we had come to enjoy.
Smoked Aubergine, Pine nuts & Wild Rocket with Tahini sauce and halloumi chips were beautifully presented on a Lakeland slate.
I love homemade Babaknush, however, once you have tasted aubergine which has been slowly and traditionally smoked it takes the dish into a completely different dimension. The gentle depth of flavour from the smoked wood chippings infused the heart of the aubergine, with its soft texture. The pine nuts added the crunch to the bite and two halloumi chips were crisp on the outside with a satisfying soft, cheese centres.
My dining companion, Katie May went for the pescatarian option with the magic of the smokehouse – In-House Smoked Treacle Cured Salmon served with Scandi potatoes salad and toasted rye bread were also beautifully presented on a Lakeland slate. I must admit I had a little nibble of the rich rye bread and salmon which was succulent and almost fruity in flavour with the smoking. For Katie May’s review of her visit to The Wild Boar for dinner click on her blog KTMY.co.uk.
Amazing meat options
With our window seat, we looked out onto the tree-lined entrance, watching the pheasant crossing the road. It was a beautiful English early summer setting.
Tom had guided us through the meat options, and his recommendation of the Duo of Fillets was perfect – offering me the opportunity to taste for myself the difference smoking steak makes to not only the flavour but the texture of the meat.
This dish offers two 4oz fillet steaks, each the size of a very generous hand palm – one smoked the other un-smoked. I opted for the peppercorn sauce (it was a difficult choice with five to choose from!). With this dish, there is a side order from a choice of 11. I opted for the Sprouting broccoli with chilli anchovies with was a perfect green accompaniment for so much meat!
The meat was elegantly presented with a succulent breakfast mushroom and sweet tomatoe chargrilled on what appeared to be a handmade plate in a stunning dark-blue glaze which complemented the dish.
Smokes v unsmoked fillet of steak
First, I tried the unsmoked steak, which cut like butter and melted in the mouth. I have never tasted a steak so rich in flavour and soft in texture – until I tried the smoked fillet next with was richer and also even softer. It is unbelievable the difference to the meat smoking makes – so tender and with a deep richness of tastes.
I don’t think I have ever completely finished a steak off before, often it is hard work to chew so much meat. However, I had no problem at all enjoying every mouthful of these two 4oz fillets. Thank you, Tom, for your recommendation, as this was the perfect way to discover the magic of a quality smokehouse.
We must not forget the vegetable side dish. The broccoli was perfectly cooked, keeping its snap and the chilli anchovies added a natural saltiness which went well with the smoked flavour of the meat.
Yorkshire inspired choice for dessert
We did need a break after such stunning dishes to let our tastebuds fully relish the smoked experience before we made our final choice of the evening, dessert.
The essential Sticky Toffee Pudding was on the menu, however being Cumbrian based we wanted to try something a little different. Originally from West Yorkshire, my eye immediately went to the Yorkshire rhubarb sorbet, from the rhubarb triangle near Wakefield. This was the accompaniment to a Duck Egg Custard Tart, another popular Yorkshire dish.
Again the dessert was served beautifully on a Lakeland slate. The custard tart with its delicate, think pastry base was even better than the custard tart my Mum used to bake. It was rich, creamy and the ideal level of sharpness of the rhubarb sorbet created the perfect taste experience.
For meat eaters this is a very special place to come and eat, however, there are plenty of interesting vegetarian dishes on this menu – the smokehouse isn’t just for meat and fish, it adds amazing flavour to vegetables too.
This was the perfect meal, in the perfect setting and I can now see why The Wild Boar Inn has such a great reputation.
Value for Money
5/5 For the quality and originality of the menu, it is very good value for money.
- Smoked Aubergine, Pine Nuts & Wild Rocket £8.50
- Duo of Fillets with side-order £29.00
- Duck Egg Custard Tart with Yorkshire rhubarb sorbet £7.00
However, you don’t have to save a visit here for those special occasions, as there is a:
Menu of the Day
- A choice of starters for £5,
- Main catch of the day fish dish for £16.95 and
- Shoot of the Day meat dish for £18.95
- Also on the al a cart menu, there are amazing pie selections such as:
Also on the al a cart menu, there are amazing pie selections such as:
- Beef Cheek and Stout Pie for £16
- Celeriac, Leek, Lancashire Cheese and Thyme Pie for £15.50
- The Wild Boar Burger, £16.50
- Mad Pig Ale Battered Haddock£16
- Cauliflower Tikka and Cashew Nut, Butter Korma, £15
- Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Burger £14.50.
Thank you to The Wld Boar for inviting us to dinner. This meal was a complementary dinner #Gifted
For more information about The Wild Boar visit their website https://englishlakes.co.uk/the-wild-boar/
