Perfect weekend in Wiltshire - The Rose and Thistle, Rockbourne

As with any weekend, I try my hardest to escape to the countryside and this weekend just gone was no different. We spent a long weekend around Salisbury, Wiltshire where we spend a lot of our time. On this occasion it was to celebrate Mr D's birthday and see a friend's new baby boy (oh so cute!).

For dinner on Saturday we ventured to the Rose and Thistle in Rockbourne on the outskirts of the New Forest. Rockbourne is a beautiful picture perfect village which I would move to tomorrow if I could.  

 The pub is a 16th century thatched pub and probably the prettiest I have ever been in. It has original beams and the cosiest log fire as you walk into the bar area. I really could have curled up by the fire and gone to sleep.

The pub is run by Kerry who always gives you a very warm welcome. The last time we were here her mother was helping out and the food was as excellent this time as it was then. The service was friendly, efficient and really makes you feel at home. The food, well.... have a look at some pictures and see what you think.



An empty bottle and cleared plates are always a good sign



Whilst Matt and his folks went for the peppered sirloin steak, which I was told on several occasions was '...bloody perfectly cooked', and '...this steak is bloody lovely'....I think you get the picture. I went for the tomato linguini which was also bloody lovely. So much so I could have eaten it twice over.



Peppered New Forest sirloin steak, roasted garlic with a shallot and

red wine sauce



Linguini with a roasted cherry tomato sauce, olives, basil and caramelised red onions


 The wine went down a treat and I forgot to take a picture of my apple and pear crumble and custard simply because I couldn't eat it quick enough! And yes I did burn my tongue, my own fault but it was worth it.  

We had a lovely evening in one of our favourite pub in the New Forest area and we can't wait to go back.



We have been to many pubs in and around Salisbury and they all have one thing in common (sadly to say even the recently taken over Silver Plough at Pitton), is the quality of food is inconsistent. The Rose and Thistle however is an exception to this. And thank god for that.

 So if you are in the area I would highly recommend the Rose and Thistle, especially this time of year when the log fires are going. Just take your time with the crumble, it's rather hot!

http://www.roseandthistle.co.uk/Site_2/Welcome.html

Venison with Wild mushrooms and red wine reduction...or is that a jus?

So what do you cook when a friend comes to stay? Well, in our case venison of course. A trip to London's borough market continued the food theme and meant Matt could jazz up the venison with some extra special mushrooms including Pied Bleu, Cepes, Chanterelles and King oyster.

The Venison  was bought from the lovely butcher in Stockbridge, Hampshire and was served here with a red wine and blackberry reduction. Whilst I am a veggie and have been for many years I can appreciate how good this looks.

Catch of the Day

A few weeks ago my boyfriend went fly fishing on a carrier of the river test in Stockbridge, Hampshire and after a slow start under very windy conditions he caught a couple of lovely rainbow trout.

I would like to think my skills as an amateur gilly played a role in catching these little beauties...but I very much doubt it!

Welcome!

Well this is my first post on my new blog. As I love food and anything food related I thought well why not blog about it.

So here it is. Bare with me whilst I find my feet but I hope to share food hints and tips, recipes, good food and not so good food experiences.

Enjoy!