The Red Lion Inn, Knapton

We had an absolutely excellent meal here on Saturday night (6 February 2010). I understand the chef was away, but the food was absolutely spot on. Three of us had the sirloin steak (and I usually regard steak as a bit of a lottery!) which was cooked precisely as ordered and was the tenderest I've had this side of the Atlantic. Steak took centre stage on the plate, with no fuss or nonsense - plain green salad and hand cooked chunky chips were the perfect accompaniment. Ham hock terrine starter was beautifully presented, and was full of flavour; my crayfish tails lacked a bit in presentation, but were very flavoursome. Only slight criticism relates to the accompanying bread roll, which was one of those nasty supermarket frozen jobbies - let's have some nice granary bread and a bit of garnish please! Sea bass also well cooked. My glass of house Merlot hit the spot, and I understand (from the number of pints consumed!) that the IPA was on top form. All in all, it did what it said on the tin - unpretentious pub food cooked to perfection, good beer, warm ambience. Many thanks!

8 Feb 2010 08:39