The Pear Tree, Whitley, Melksham
4:00pm Thursday 28th July 2011 in Eating Out By Chris Melvin
The Pear Tree Inn, Top Lane, Whitley, Melksham.
(01225) 709131
The Pear Tree in Whitley was bought by celebrity chef and restaurater Marco Pierre White earlier this year.
The renowned chef, who was the youngest person to be awarded three Michelin stars at the time, has described how he has fallen in love with the 16th century pub and restaurant, and has big plans for it.
It’s doing good business as the only table we could get was at 9pm, despite ringing almost a week in advance.
Although White is not in the kitchen himself, his reputation meant we had high hopes for our meal, and we weren’t disappointed.
We went straight to the main courses. The menu was extensive, with a range of classic pub dishes and more adventurous meals.
I chose roast rump of lamb á la dijonnaise, chives and gratin dauphinoise, and Kate opted for a spatchcock of poussin with chipolatas and potato fondant.
The presentation of both dishes was very good and they looked appetising, but it wasn’t over-elaborate.
My lamb was delicious. Rare, tender and wonderfully seasoned, it melted in my mouth. Likewise the gratin dauphinoise, which was an excellent accompaniment.
The poussin was very tender, and the chipolatas were excellent, but the poussin and the potato were slightly underseasoned.
For dessert I ordered the Eton mess, and Kate decided on the raspberry souffle.
The souffle was enormous, and we enjoyed the theatre of our waiter using a fork to push a strawberry through its middle to create a well, which he then filled with raspberry sauce. Its texture was light and fluffy and it tasted superb.
My Eton mess was excellent. The blend of ingredients was just right, giving it a beautiful texture and taste, and although it was a generous size, I finished the lot.
Service was prompt, efficient and friendly, but not intrusive and we didn’t feel rushed.
Overall, it was one of the best meals I have ever eaten, and I can’t wait to go back.
Two main courses, a side order and two desserts came to £42.50, which we felt was good value.
Main courses, £12 to £20
Set menus for lunch, early evening and Sunday lunch
Real ales and cider on tap
Locally sourced ingredients
Eight en suite rooms
Open until 11pm every day, except Sunday (10.30pm)
Our Eating Out is an independent review carried out by the Gazette without prior knowledge of the owners.
Mikemoss says...
2:56pm Tue 2 Aug 11
Maybe it was chef's night off, but a birthday celebration meal last Monday night really wasn't good.