Happy New Year everyone!
The last couple of weeks have been non stop; seeing friends and family, eating a lot and just generally enjoying time off work over Christmas.
On Christmas day I hopped from my house to Mr B’s house, then over to my grandparents house where I had a delicious dinner, followed by some lively games and then over to my dad’s for the night.
On Boxing Day, Mr B’s parents treated us to a meal at their favourite local restaurant, Peels at Hampton Manor. It was a beautiful, cold, crisp day with the sun shining. I love days like that, don’t you?
After pigging out so much on Christmas Day, and having a delicious breakfast of eggs and asparagus, I didn’t think I would ever be hungry again. But I think I had simply stretched my stomach as right on cue at 1pm, it started making noises.
We kicked the meal off with a glass of bubbly, naturally.
Then we were presented with an amuse bouche.
A leek and potato soup.
A white truffle mousse and hazelnuts for those who had ordered soup for starter - like me.
And the most delicious, freshly baked bread that i’ve had in a very long time served with chunks of salted butter.
Next up, our starters.
Goats cheese mousse, savoury granola, with apple.
A creamed celeriac soup.
There’s enough time in-between courses for a good chat, and to admire the surroundings. Including this little beauty which i’d like to squeeze into my house.
Then we are back in to scoffing. The main courses come steaming hot, and smelling great.
Roast sirloin of beef, red wine gravy and yorkshire puddings that give my dad’s homemade ones a run for their money.
A wild mushroom and pearl barley risotto that had deep earthy flavours.
And sea bass.
For desserts, we ordered the lot and had a taste of each others.
A selection of British cheeses.
Soft meringue with passion fruit.
Chocolate and hazelnut ganache. It was VERY rich, and I was hoping to be able to take the glass away like Nutella.
And just in case there was a centimetre of spare space in our tummies, we filled it with tea and coffee and petit fours. Pinkies up!
I feel full again just thinking about it. After our meal, we stretched our legs around the lovely manor, just as the sun was starting to set.
Mr B and his family.
I’m wearing a Chanel-esque dress from ASOS. And these little beauties from Zara.
They are no longer available, but similar here
It’s a great place to come for an affordable, special dinner and there are even rooms if you want to stay over. Check it out here.
After our little walk, we had to dash home, and quickly turn the lights on, get the fire roaring ready to welcome my family who came in a riot of hugs, presents, kisses and, more food.
Did you have a good Christmas?
