GROVE HOUSE HOTEL & RESTAURANT
by Si Hall & Nicky Rigby-Smith
The Grove House has long been considered a highly regarded
hotel, however, with the food also getting itself noticed, the
emphasis may have shifted to 'a restaurant with rooms'.
Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by the charming and elegant
Nick Burn - the proprietor of 30 years. We were seated at a white
linen clad table in one of the light and airy bay windows in the oak
panelled restaurant.
And so we begin...
To accompany our feast we tried a small sample of several white
wines, before settling of the very palatable French House wine La
Campagne - Sauvignon Blanc - reasonably priced at £16.95.
First up was the Tempura Prawns with a sweet chilli sauce - very
nicely done - the tempura was light and fluffy, encasing the very
substantial king prawns.
Next was Moules Marinere… Mussels with white wine, cream,
garlic and fresh parsley. A classic we've not had for some time and
this did not disappoint.
King scallops, black pudding with bacon and cauliflower puree.
We've lost count of the amount of times we've had chewy rubbery
king scallops, but these were cooked just perfectly - in the top 5
of the last 60 reviews. The bacon took this dish to another level.
Divine!
Kidney with white pudding a Whisky and mustard cream sauce.
A nice twist on the above dish that we don't come across often,
again very well prepared and presented with the buttery kidney
and crispy white pudding really ticking the box.
44 wirrallife.com
From L to R: Geoff Derry,
Nick Burn, Bruno Verdier,
Dave Case.
Now this next dish came highly recommended - it's what top chef
Simon Rimmer had the last time he dined here with his family -
Fillet Steak 'Grove House' in a port and merlot sauce, with king
prawns, cherry tomatoes and garlic. Wonderful.
Duck, spinach, smoked bacon, blackcurrant and red wine sauce
and butternut squash puree. A very sumptuous portion that really
delivered on big flavours. We asked for the duck to be cooked
medium and it was served perfectly.
Chicken sat on a potato rosti and a wild mushroom sauce served
with crispy skin. We loved this dish, so simple, yet just so tasty and
succulent.
Salmon fillet with prawn and pea, tarragon. This again was a
surprisingly generous portion. The buttery salmon just fell apart,
working perfectly with the sauce and that punch of fresh tarragon.
After tasting a range of the main dishes - the legendary chilled
sweet trolley made a magnificent appearance, quite a spectacle -
we can see why there are so many positive TripAdvisor reviews
about it.
It's very clear to us now why the Grove House Restaurant is so well
liked, the menu's are well thought out and surprisingly incredible
value for money served in authentic elegant surroundings - and of
course, the food is delicious!
Highly recommended. We will definitely be returning.
To book, call 0151 639 3947.