Find out what our blogger Jenny Bakes thought about this historic South Derbyshire pub that certainly does not disappoint.
Having been to the Dragon in Willington I was eager to visit the sister restaurant – the Boot Inn – and what a pleasant surprise it was.
On the day we visited the weather was beautiful so the bar was full of people enjoying the early bird cocktails and rare sunshine.
The micro-brewery hosts a range of ales and ciders brewed on-site for the Boot, The Dragon and the Harpur’s of Melbourne. We were advised to try the Beast of Bloodstock, which is a strong, creamy ale. I’m not a huge fan of ales but after sampling this I certainly could be, although it is 6.66% so perhaps not too much!
After being seated at a beautiful table overlooking the garden, we had a chance to take a look at the A La Carte menu. The menu boasts a range of dishes from “fish du jour” scallops, chorizo saffron potatoes and bouillabaisse sauce (£14.95) to smoked goats’ cheese tortellini, butternut squash, radish, nasturtium (£11.95).
However, we decided on the supper menu. I couldn’t resist the Lobster thermidor served with triple cooked-chips and wilted spinach and lime mayonnaise (£22.95). The lobster itself was succulent and topped off with a beautiful cheesy sauce. The triple cooked chips were delightfully crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, I dread to think how many calories they were but they were the icing on the cake to this delicious dish.
My dinner guest had the boot burger; slow-braised bbq cheek, Swiss cheese with fries and slaw (£10.95). The meat was perfectly cooked, slightly red just how it should be.
Although the staff were rushed off their feet they were still very friendly and attentive.
For dessert there were many tempting options, including white chocolate parfait with textures of raspberry (£6.25) and poached poire William, vanilla panna cotta with blackcurrant and stilton (£6.25).
The Boot re-opened after a refurbishment in February, the décor is rustic and sophisticated. It has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and I will certainly be visiting again to sample more of the excellent menu.
Have you tried the new menu at the Boot Inn? What did you think of it?