Food and Drink January 16, 2010
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Belton, Loughborough
Queen's Head
Location: 2 Long Street, Belton, Loughborough, LE12 9TP [map]
Phone: 0845 055 2355
Open: Mon-Sat noon-3pm, 6.30pm-midnight; Sun noon-4pm
Website: www.thequeenshead.org

Although The Queen’s Head is slightly off the beaten track it’s certainly worth seeking out. The interior is tasteful and you can choose to dine in the formal low-lit restaurant or the more relaxed bistro. Whatever you choose you can guarantee that the food will be of the highest quality, superbly put together by head chef, Marc Billings. Formally of Watson’s, Marc uses simple ingredients to great effect.

First we were treated to warm just-baked bread that came with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping. Starters followed, with the fresh flavours of watercress soup, accented by goat’s cheese and walnuts, coming up trumps. Home cured salmon was salty and soft in perfect measure and I would highly recommend the pressed terrine of rabbit and hazelnut with pear and vanilla purée; it was incredibly light and the unusual mixture of textures and tastes was impeccably well-thought out. The wild mushroom risotto with aged Parmesan, light and fluffy, was further demonstration of a chef in fine form.

Lobster carbonara with large chunks of the firm and tasty shellfish was served over a mountain of spaghetti, whilst the lamb shank came with delicate cous cous and was so tender it fell from the bone with the merest touch of a fork. Other dishes available include fillet of beef and breast of chicken served with leeks, potato gnocchi and asparagus.

An espresso was served as we decided on dessert. I eventually declined the port and Stilton in favour of the hot chocolate fondant with espresso granita and milk ice cream, and my partner chose the coconut sorbet with rum and raisin ice cream from the long list.

Contemporary yet comfortable, it is no wonder that the quiet hum of satisfaction is audible throughout.


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