The Hammer & Pincers
Wymeswold, Leicestershire
Danny and Sandra Jimminson have created something highly distinctive in their village pub/restaurant near Loughborough. They now have a pair of boutique guest rooms above the venue, while the smart dining area boasts dark walls, exposed brickwork, low rafters and bare tables for a comfortable balance of old and new. Various menus of polished modern cooking (including grazing/tasting options) indicate an ambitious kitchen attuned to the combinatorial arts: blowtorched mackerel is partnered with crab and oyster mayonnaise and watercress coulis, or there could be an apricot and brioche tartlet to go with chicken liver parfait and herb salad. Main courses are busily constructed but balanced compositions, perhaps accompanying steamed turbot with prawn mousseline, asparagus, fennel and Anya potato in prawn nage, or filling brik rolls with butternut squash, alongside tahini labneh, pomegranate molasses, burnt aubergine and a purée of red pepper and walnut. The cheesecake made with Sharpham Cremet, served with grape compôte and nut brittle, will take a lot of resisting – assuming the chocolate plate with muscovado ice cream hasn't already claimed you for its own. Wine pairings suit those who are grazing, while the list kicks off at £22.
Dining Information:
Accommodation, Parking, Credit card required
5 East Road, Wymeswold, Leicestershire LE12 6ST
01509 880735
