Dinner At The Craster Arms In Beadnell Village
Published On Thursday 26 Sep 2024 by Sticky Beak
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Mummy Bird, His Nibs and I had had a busy day, so we were very much looking forward to our evening meal at The Craster Arms in Beadnell village. Walking along the road, we could hear the bubble of conversation and laughter from those seated in the spacious outdoor area – though I should point out that this is no ordinary outdoor space. This is a place with several areas of decking and accompanying patio heaters, complete with fairy lights and self-contained ‘huts’ that provide intimate outside-yet-inside places for either couples, groups of friends or families to relax if inside the pub is at capacity. Dogs and children are allowed inside and out, so The Craster Arms really is a place that welcomes all!
The Craster Arms is the epitome of a proper gastro-pub, and has obviously got the formula just right as the place was already heaving when we rocked up at 6.30pm. We were greeted very warmly and shown to our corner table that gave us a fab view over the bar and into the first part of the kitchen. Chef and his team were furiously beavering away, and the serving team were like a steady army of ants as they kept the food and drinks coming in all directions!
As we supped our drinks: Pinot for Mummy, Montepulciano for me, and a pint of Shipyard for The Man, we sat back and took in our surroundings better. The slate floor and natural tones on the walls created a chilled ambience, accented by the banquettes; though some had a bolder, floral design to their fabric. Turning our attention to the task in hand, we looked through the menu, making that hardest decision: 2 courses or 3? Now I know a lot of you will be thinking “they’re bound to go for three”, but we’d had lunch out and were still aware of its lingering effect; that’s why we eventually decided to just have mains and desserts.
His Nibs had The Beadnell Sizzler (£18); a Sausage that is exclusive to this venue made by Carters of Bamburgh, the Butchers behind the ‘Bamburgh Banger’. Formed into a Cumberland-style ring, this morsel is served with creamy Mashed Potato, Rich Onion Gravy, and a topping of Vegetable Crisps. Described by the team as ‘A whole new spin on traditional Bangers-n-Mash’, His Nibs was really excited to try it. Mummy Bird had opted for Beadnell Blonde Ale-Battered Fish and Chips (£17.50) with house Tartare Sauce, and chunky Chips, as well as Mushy Peas (Garden Peas were the other choice). I ummed and aaahed a bit over my meal, eventually going with one of the specials; local line-caught Mackerel, served with Mediterranean Cous Cous and a Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (£22).
Sometimes, having such a great table position can be a curse as well as a blessing, and the torment we had to endure, gazing upon plate after plate of tantalising food not destined for us, was unbearable! Thankfully, our wait wasn’t too long – merely that of when food is being cooked fresh-to-order.
After the obligatory photos had been taken, we all got stuck in and a silence descended over our table. Mummy Bird was a smitten-kitten with the soft, sweet flesh of her fish, and even more so with the impossibly crisp batter that surrounded it! Honestly, it was so crunchy, you could clearly hear it when it was cut into...even over the thrum around us. Portion-wise, we chuckled as we said that it should be called ‘whale and chips’, it was that sizeable. Still, let’s be honest, that’s exactly what you want when you’re paying, isn’t it? The Mushies were gorgeously thick too, no miserably thin, dripping types here.
The Man Bird was happily chowing down on his sizzler, and he offered me a piece as he said that I’d like it. You all know that I’m infamously fussy when it comes to ‘repeat factor’ that I associate with Sausages, so I gingerly accepted his fork; turns out that it wasn’t going to kill me! The texture was pleasingly dense and satiating and, whilst there was definite seasoning to the meat, the flavour was such that it wouldn’t be repeating on me and making me burp all night.
My own Mackerel was a true delight to eat. Chef had cooked the fish skilfully, so it wasn’t shrivelled or dry; instead, its oily silkiness bathed my tongue as it imparted that distinctive sweet/salt fishiness over my taste buds. I know Mackerel isn’t to everyone’s liking, but I was impressed by it here. The Red Pepper Sauce provided a zing of colour on the serving plate, and its sweet intensity stood up to the fish brilliantly, ably assisted by spiced giant Cous Cous. To go with my meal, I’d ordered a side salad (£3), and this was a wonderfully cool, crisp, crunchy mix of Salad leaves, Red Onion, Cucumber and Red Pepper.
Several members of the serving team had checked back on us and offered more drinks as they passed by, and it was lovely to see a team working so well together. I dread to think what their step-count would be on their trackers, at the end of a shift!
Eyeing up the dessert menu, we plumped for Cinder Toffee Sundae (Mummy), Chocolate Indulgence (His Maj) and the Homemade Baked Cherry Bakewell Cheesecake with Cherry Ice Cream (me), all priced £9. As you might expect from their descriptions, both Mummy’s and The Man’s desserts were absolutely crammed with all manner of sweet stuff!
The Cinder Toffee chunks were beautifully large and had a gloriously smoky note to them, going irresistibly sticky and chewy in the mouth. Honeycomb Ice Cream was indulgently sweet, tempered by the tang of Salted Caramel that was drizzled over it all. Whipped Cream was soft and melted instantly on the tongue, so this dessert was a great mix of tastes and textures.
It’s no secret that His Nibs’ development ceased (when it comes to sweet things!) at about 5 years of age, so he was grinning like a proverbial child as mouthful after mouthful of chocolate assaulted his taste buds. Chocolate Brownie pieces were the perfect chewy consistency and fabulously cocoa-rich, a theme continued by the Ice Cream, pieces of Dark Chocolate and indecent amount of thick, Chocolate Sauce. I think the only thing that wasn’t chocolatey was the Whipped Cream!
My Cheesecake was lovely in the mouth, its body being suitably rich and creamy as to linger against my cheeks and tongue. The base was wasn’t too deep, so the star of the show could shine; sometimes you get a base that is just too much, and all you taste is biscuit – not the case here. For a smattering of texture, Flaked Almonds scattered on the top did an admirable job, as well as adding their own flavour. If I had one criticism, it would be that the Ice Cream wasn’t as fruity as some others I’ve had, and it would’ve been nice to have some pieces of the fruit in there. No doubt local fans of this Doddington Dairy treat will be up-in-arms at my opinion, but there it is.
As she cleared away our bowls, our server asked if we’d like a coffee or more wine, but we were stuffed and still had a walk back to the cottage to do! Another time, maybe. Hot Wings very happily given to this wonderful village gastro-pub.
To book a table ring 01665 720272 or visit the website www.crasterarms.co.uk. This fab place is open Noon-9pm every day of the week for food (11pm for drinks).
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