20 High St, Rode, Frome BA11 6NZ. 01373 830900. www.thecrosskeysrode.co.uk If you are looking for a beautiful traditional pub for a classic Sunday lunch, the Cross Keys at Rode is the place to go. We were invited over to sample Sunday lunch last week, and it did not disappoint. Just a short drive out of Bath in the direction of Frome, you will arrive in Rode, a gorgeous village, with a lovely winding road that leads down to the Cross Keys on the left. Parking is round the back, and we were greeting by a beautiful cat wanting some fuss! We were really surprised at the size of the pub when you go inside, a tardis of lovely bars and cosy snug areas with log fires and a fabulous dining room. We were welcomed warmly by James and Ellie, and sat in the window by the internal workings of the lovely old clock outside on the roof. The menu offers a wide selection roasts, as well as some pub classics for those not wanting the full works. We opted for Forest Mushrooms with Garlic Butter & Truffle Oil on Toasted Brioche & Parmesan (£6) and Chicken Liver Parfait with Apple & Ale Chutney & Toast (£5.50) to start. Both starters were hearty and filling, generous portion sizes and delicious flavours. Served quickly, we soon polished them off in anticipation of our roasts. We opted for the Rare Topside of Beef and Braised Lamb Shoulder £13.50 for the regular size or £10 for a small (beef and lamb). Served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, cheesy leeks & cauliflower, honey roast parsnip & carrot, summer greens & Proper gravy. Both meats were exceptionally tender, the Yorkshire airy light, and the gravy was delicious. So refreshing to get such a large jug of gravy as well, something that is often scrimped upon when eating out, and frowned upon when asking for more! Although full, the dessert menu was just too tempting to skip, especially the thought of homemade peanut butter, Nutella and Biscoff ice cream! We chose the Chocolate Brownie with Chocolate Sauce and Peanut Butter ice cream (£6) and a scoop of Nutella and Honeycomb ice cream (£1.50 each). A totally fabulous experience, we really loved our afternoon at the Cross Keys. The quirky crockery used for the meals was so charming and in keeping with the pub, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. We arrived at midday, and quickly took some pics of the dining room, but within 15 minutes it was full. After lunch we took a stroll around the village, and said goodbye to our new furry friend (who was still waiting by our car)! We will definitely be returning soon, as we want to work our way through the menu!
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1 Terrace Walk, N Parade, Bath BA1 1LJ. 01225 482900 Sunday lunch out always makes me nervous. Mr PLB cooks the best roast dinner ever, and when we've had them out in the past they have just not been up to his standard. Those crispy roast potatoes, rich gravy and amazing Yorkshire Puddings take a lot of beating. Invited to the Huntsman to try their recently renovated upstairs dining room, we booked in for midday and headed in. We've never been upstairs in there before, in fact we didn't know there was an upstairs. The dining room spans the length of the pub, and is tastefully decorated, with the option to book for private events as well. Hannah greeted us and showed us to our table where our host for the afternoon Joe was on hand to settle us in. We had a fabulous table by the window, overlooking Bog Island, where we could watch the hustle and bustle outside whilst relaxing and ordering a glass of wine each. We chatted with Joe (totally charming) for a while about the menu and then we ordered our starters. Grilled lamb kofta with cucumber, pomegranate & mint raita and flatbread (£7), and Avocado & pesto bruschetta with roasted tomato salsa (£7.50). Both starters were light, fresh and really tasty. The chilli packed a punch on the bruschetta, so if you order this be aware, as it's not listed in the menu as an ingredient. We enjoyed both, and were hopeful for the main courses. We opted for Roast leg of south coast lamb (£17), and the roast Cornish orchards Braised South coast pork belly (£15). Both were served with a giant Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, savoy cabbage, honey roast carrots and parsnips, squash puree and red wine gravy. The meat on both of our dishes was super tender, and the gravy rich and tasty. The Yorkshire pudding, although huge was incredibly light and airy. The meal was totally delicious and got the thumbs up from both of us. Dessert was a squeeze but both of our favourites were on the menu, Sticky Toffee Pudding (£6) and Eton Mess (£7.50). Both were light, tasty and a perfect end to a perfect meal.
We both agreed we would be back to eat at The Hunstman again. The service was amazing, Joe is so passionate about his job, evident in his knowledge and interest in all of the dishes and the wine list. We highly recommend the roast, especially if you get a table with a view! |
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AuthorHusband & Wife living in Bath for over 20 years. All views are our own although we do get freebies along the way, which we will always tell you about. Archives
September 2022
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