Black Swan

At the picturesque heart of Ashover sits the Black Swan, a quaint and unassuming establishment with a rural, homely feel. Having wandered through the smart bar, we made our way upstairs to the intimate restaurant - a wonderful amalgamation of classic style and contemporary furnishings, the space was warm and rustic yet sleek and beautifully presented.

Rather thoughtfully, head chef Steve Mower and his team have created a menu that perfectly embodies the aesthetic and atmosphere of the venue, offering classic British pub food with a contemporary twist. Our starter of pork and sage terrine accompanied by apple compote acted as a succulent example of this, while mushrooms on toast was a glorious illustration of simple food delivered exquisitely - the texture and fusion of flavours were delightful.

The restaurant hummed with a quiet vibrancy. This, coupled with a delectable reserve bottle of Rioja, meant we felt absolute relaxation while we awaited our main courses. My partner declared his beef and Abbot Ale pie a triumph, with the moist and tender chunks of meat sitting within fluffy yet crisp puff pastry. My Mediterranean roasted veg tagliatelle with Parmesan, olives and a healthy measure of chilli oil also perfectly demonstrated the skills of an accomplished kitchen team.

As the evening wound down, the Black Swan excelled in the dessert department, with a creamy cheesecake providing a worthy finish to the evening. The cheese board offered a savoury smorgasbord, comprising three cheeses, various fruits, celery and a top-notch selection of crackers and biscuits. The little hand-wrapped parcel of chocolate truffles gracing our table was a much-appreciated personal touch that was a delight to unwrap and savour. Indeed, with an ethos that is all about going that extra mile, merely stepping through the doors of the Black Swan is something of a gift in itself