Sunday Lunch With Friends At The School House Restaurant In South Normanton
Published On Wednesday 28 Aug 2024 by Sticky Beak
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Having so many fab eateries in the ‘Shire means that we don’t always get back to some venues as soon as we’d like, and The School House in South Normanton was one such restaurant – even though it’s literally on our doorstep. The last time we visited here, The School House was still under the ownership of Sophie and Martin and, as is our policy, if there are any significant changes we do a re-visit, to see if the venue stays on our ‘recommended’ list. Bestie Bird and The Bolton Wanderer were over at the nest, so what better opportunity to see if The School House still passed muster than going for Sunday Lunch?
The Man Bird parked the jalopy on the road (there is extremely limited on-site parking) and we walked back up to the venue. Stepping inside, there was very little obvious change to the bar area; to the right, there are still the pair of long benches with their scatter cushions; to the left, the raised tables and stools are still in situ. Happily, the bar is just as well-stocked as ever. Fledge had just graduated on the Friday, so there’d been quite some hefty celebrating done over the previous 48hrs; me and BB opted to give our livers some respite, ordering Soda waters. The chaps went for the ‘we’ve started, so we might as well see it through’ approach: His Nibs had a pint of Peroni; TBW had a pint of Summertime Haze IPA.
With drinks ordered, it was time to take our seats in the main dining room. The only real change I could discern was the artwork on the walls, and the fact that Dame Helen Mirren was no longer regally gazing down from her lofty position above the connecting archway. In her place was a striking Highland Stag, standing proudly and showing off his multi-point antlers.
As well as the standard options on the Sunday Lunch menu, there’s also a specials board chalked up, and there were some mighty tasty dishes on it, one of which piqued the attention of BB: the Steak and Mushroom pie of the day. The Man and I both chose to go with the roasted topside of Derbyshire Beef, and TBW fancied the roasted Chicken Breast. Pricing for the Sunday offerings at The School House couldn’t be simpler: one course is £17, 2 are £22, or go all-out with 3 courses for £27. Everything is cooked fresh-to-order, so do bear in mind that you’ll have a little wait for your food. All roasts come with Yorkshire Pud, Roast Potatoes, Mash, Seasonal Veggies and pan gravy, and we added a side of Cauliflower Cheese for an extra £4.
After a pretty standard wait-time, two members of The School House team served our food in quick succession, and another brought the vegetables and Cauli Cheese out a minute later. Steam was billowing from all our plates – no doubt at all that they’d literally just been cooked! BB was so happy as she took her first bite of the short pastry, revealing that it was instantly melting on her tongue; her joy only increased as she savoured the tender Steak pieces and the firm, nutty-tasting Mushroom slices.
The Bolton Wanderer was happily chowing down on his Chicken Breast, commenting that it was beautifully moist in the mouth; he was also satisfied with its size, too. Both His Nibs and I said that the Beef was among the tastiest we’ve had, and I was happy to see a blush of pink at its centre; Chef had done a fine job of preserving the meats’ tenderness and juiciness. The verdict, then? All the meats, whether sliced or in a pie, were very tasty.
Mashed Potato is always better when it’s glass-smooth and perfectly seasoned, and the offering here was top-notch, as were the flavoursome Roasties. A Carrot had been cut in half, length-ways, and roasted to intensify its sweetness and it contrasted really nicely with the other vegetables: Cabbage, Courgette and Broccoli. Everyone remarked on the size of the Yorkies, but then it went silent as we savoured the richness of the batters’ taste; the super-crisp outer made way for a softer inner and this was another spot-on effort from Chef. I’m pleased to say that the Cauliflower Cheese was a good-sized portion for the £4; it really yanks my chain when you pay good money for a side dish and get very little for it…even better, the sauce was gorgeously thick and bathed every inch of the florets’ surface. As well as the obvious cheese notes, there was a bit of wholegrain Mustard in there to lift the taste on the palate and give a hint of warmth at the back of the throat.
When we’d all finished, we sat back and admired our efforts to produce spotlessly clean plates…before we turned our attention to the dessert selection – gluttons all, aren’t we?!! On the specials board was Eton Mess and, having rekindled my love affair with meringue, I was incredibly tempted to go for that, but… how could I betray the humble Trifle? I couldn’t, and so that was what I ordered. Bestie went for the Sticky Toffee Pudding and I really expected that she’d be joined by His Nibs but, no, he opted for the Lemon and Raspberry Cheesecake, and TBW had the Cheese Board (this carries a £2.95 supplement).
My Strawberry, Pimms-soaked sponge, Trifle was presented in a jam jar, which allowed me to see all the beautiful layers that constructed this treasure. You cannot imagine my happiness as that beautiful fart erupted forth when my spoon pierced the dessert’s surface - I always gauge a Trifle’s merit by the ferocity of its fart! You could certainly taste the Pimms in the sponge bottom, complimented by the fruity Strawberry jelly and slices of fresh Strawberries. The vanilla custard was divine and I would’ve liked this layer to be a little deeper; the cream layer was a smidge over-powering, but this could’ve been due to the narrowness of the jam jar? Taste-wise, this was a wonderful confection and the perfect conclusion to any meal on a warm summer day.
Bestie Bird likes a denser pudding, so she was extolling the virtues of the toffee minx that was rapidly disappearing into her tummy. Just looking at her dish, I was salivating! The portion size of the pudding was generous in itself, and matching its sweet date note beautifully was the most pleasurably rich toffee sauce and an unctuous, Vanilla custard that brought a wonderfully mellow element to this dessert.
His Nibs had gone for a baked Cheesecake, the body of which was deep and luxuriant in the mouth. Sitting atop a perfect-textured biscuit base, this creamy minx waltzed silkily alongside the brighter flavours of a face-scrunchingly tart Lemon Curd and a superbly zingy Raspberry Coulis. When flavours meld together in harmony, there really is nothing finer, and this dessert nailed it.
I am a fully paid-up member of the cheese-lovers club, but I seldom have it when dining out as I don’t think it shows off a Chefs’ skill. I was very happy to sit and drool at TBW’s cheese board, though, and appreciate its charms. A trio of cheeses - all of whose wedges were a good size – sat on a beautifully presented board with colourful pickles nestling in separate bowls. There was a good selection of crackers and a crisp Apple had been cut into snappable sections to enhance the taste of the cheeses as well as add a textural contrast to the softer ones.
Our meal had been excellent from start to finish; check-backs had been done and whenever we needed our drinks refreshing, a team member was soon on hand. The restaurant is kept fantastically clean and is accessible for those with wheelchairs or walking aids. Hot Wings happily given to this wonderful South Normanton eaterie! To book a table ring 01773 580747 or visit the website www.theschoolhouserestaurant.co.uk and scroll down to the resdiary section. The School House is closed Monday and Tuesday, opens Weds-Fri 5-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday Noon-4pm.
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