It has been a while since I have had chance to post anything here, I have been working so hard on the writing side of my career recently and things have been busy. When I am away from home more often, it is grounding to get the chance to go out in my own area and last week I went along to sample the new menu at The Devon Doorway* in Heswall, a short way from where I live. I have long been a fan of this elegant gastro pub, which has recently been given a stylish new look. Rich jewel tones, crackling log fires and soft lighting set an intimate scene and upon arrival, we headed to the Tanqueray bar, where various gin and tonic combinations were available to customise with extra botanicals.
We settled in the bar area to enjoy our welcome drinks and canapés. There is an impressive drinks offering on the new menu, with cocktails, wine, G&T, craft beers and aperitivo drinks such as Le Goose Fizz with elderflower and Grey Goose vodka available.
A board of artisan breads and plump Nocellara olives got the meal underway, while we consulted the menu. A fragrant onion soup was my choice of starter; ideal for an autumnal evening this was satisfying with a wedge of crusty bread and my dining companion quickly devoured his choice of deep-fried brie in golden panko breadcrumbs, served with tangy chutney.
I was impressed by the vegan menu, which consists of several options and I decided on the spiced coconut curry for my main. Although I am not vegan, I love to eat vegan and vegetarian dishes regularly and this curry was so aromatic and tasty. The sticky jasmine rice had the perfect texture and the curry pulled off the tricky balance of sweet and spicy flavours, with Ras el Hanout roasted squash cubes and sweet potato wedges adding further depth and a scorched red chilli providing a fiery finishing touch.
My dining companion went for a simple but classic choice of battered halloumi with twice cooked chunky chips, minted pea purée and tartare sauce.This makes a tempting alternative to traditional fish & chips and is great if you are in the mood for comfort food.
A dessert which tastes as good as it looks is always appealing and the melting chocolate and peanut bomb did not disappoint in this regard, with the chocolate sphere melting away under salted caramel sauce, to reveal a sticky toffee pudding and peanut butter cream centre. Bourbon vanilla ice cream and edible flowers rounded off this indulgent creation.
Our second dessert of chocolate and raspberry pudding was another winner - a light chocolate sponge filled with a raspberry compote centre, accompanied by Bourbon vanilla ice cream. Both desserts were nicely presented and they made the perfect way to round off an enjoyable meal.
I was impressed by the new menus at The Devon Dooway, which are well thought out with a good range of dishes available. The new look gives the pub a sophisticated atmosphere which is usually more synonymous with city centre bars and the team could not be more helpful. Overall, this is the ideal place to relax on those autumn and winter evenings.
The Devon Doorway
2 Telegraph Road
Heswall
Wirral
Merseyside
UK
CH60 2SA
What do you all think, do you like the sound of this refined pub and dining venue and which of these dishes would you like to try? As always I cannot wait to hear your thoughts and thank you so much for reading this post.
Until next time,
Camille
xo
*I was a guest of the Devon Doorway, this meal was complimentary. All opinions expressed herein are my own and honest.
*I was a guest of the Devon Doorway, this meal was complimentary. All opinions expressed herein are my own and honest.
