Following on from my L’Enclume review, we were lucky enough to have the most perfect weather for a walk in the beautiful Lake District. This managed to work up another healthy appetite for our visit to Simon Rogans “Brasserie” Rogan and Co. As brilliant as L’Enclume was we were certainly looking forward to tucking into some bigger portions. The decor of the brasserie is similar, in some ways, to L’Enclume. Rather than white washed walls you have plain stone that all the cute cottages in the lakes are built from. Some wonderful pictures of the surrounding areas certainly give this place a homely feel, with the roaring fire too it’s very welcoming.

To begin, we were given half a Scotch Quail Egg. A North Western special using black pudding in lieu of the sausage. Just what the doctor ordered when it was cold outside and we were ravenous. This was accompanied with two warm rolls, a pumpernickel and plain white one. Savour these rolls as these are the only carbs part of the meal. There are no options for sides of chips, mash, rice etc.

The first starter of delicious juicy scallops, with parsnip, vanilla and star anise. The spices were very soft and didn’t overpower the scallops. Absolute perfection.

Pressed ham hock, cucumber and radish. This was the best ham hock I’ve ever had. Not too salty, but, the fresh citrusy cucumber and radish were a match made in heaven.

Duck breast, salt baked celeriac, chicory and mulled cider. Another dish of superlatives. The celeriac is served in moons, which was very tender, a perfectly cooked duck and soft totally bitter-less chicory made an accomplished dish.

My main of wild bass, salsify and shrimps was as tasty as it looks. My only negative is that I was expecting the wild bass to be a lot thicker and chunky. It was cooked perfectly though with a beautiful crispy skin. The curly kale helped complete the dish.

My wife and I do love our cheese. From the previous nights experience we tasted some of the best British and Irish cheeses we’ve had. As we were still quite peckish we couldn’t wait to get stuck into a large cheese plate. These are served with essentially a figgy jam and a raspberry jam, both addictive. Our selection was Ragstone, Wigmore, Feallan, Mrs Kirkhams Lancashire and Crozier Blue. If only I could nip over to the cheese shop now!!

Rogan and Co has two AA Rosettes, all I can say is this was one of the best meals we’ve ever had. We would go back tomorrow and work through the remainder of the menu. It is dirt cheap for the cooking on offer. If it doesn’t get a Michelin Star in January it will only be because the Michelin people seem averse to travelling north in this country. Go now before it gets even more recognition and there’s a three month waiting list.

 

 

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