The Rockingham

Still as enjoyable as when JI reported on this establishment in Jan '08 but the lunch menu is now £10.95 for 2 course and £11.95 for three. Melissa and Alvin are no longer in residence but Karen the owner was very attentive as were the rest of her staff. The menu is varied and apparently changes regularly, its excellent value for money. A great venue for lunch and then a walk on Canada Common afterwards!! Report SM

The new owners, formerly from The Oak at Bank, have done a wonderful job upgrading this Pub, turning it into an attractive spacious restaurant with fine food. The decor is charming with a warm and friendly feel, great art work adorn the walls and all in all a very comfortable restaurant. The manager and his partner, Melissa and Alvin are very attentive and helpful and we received good service. Since we were a party of nine we were able to sample many of the dishes from the lunch menu; 2 courses for £9.95 or 3 courses for £11.95. Food is sourced locally wherever possible.

There were 6 starters to choose from and between us we selected - The Spicy Tomato Soup, Ham Hock Terrine with toast and red onion marmalade, Potted Crab Pate with fresh herb salad and toasted brioche, and Scottish Smoked Salmon with horseradish potato, dill and lemon; all elegantly served and enjoyed by all. Our main courses were - Local Sausages served on a bed of mustard mash and tasty onion gravy, Coq au Vin with mash and herb croute, a Warm Salad of black pudding, poached egg and crispy croutons, Beef Bourguignon, Fillet of Salmon with mash and dill dressing, and Beer Batter Goujons of fresh haddock with fries and mushy peas. The portions were adequate but a selection of vegetables would have been a welcome addition, and the salmon was a very small portion.

None of us tried the deserts (4 choices) as we were moving on to another venue for afternoon tea!! There is also a menu of various light snacks and baguettes.

1. Quality of food 3/5

2. Variety of menu 4/5

3. Staff & Service 4/5

4. Ambience, setting and decor 4/5

5. Value for money 4/5

Total Yummy Factor 19/25

Report JI

5/5 = Cannot be improved upon, 4/5 = Very good, 3/5 = Good, 2/5 = Satisfactory, 1/5 = Poor, 0/5 = Terrible