Lunch Quest: Roving Reporters: The Court farm Inn: Abbotskerswell: Devon

Before I get down to writing the important review of my recent lunch quest, here is a little about the Village of Abbotskerswell in Devon where you will find two very good Inns: The Butcher's Arms and the Court Farm Inn.

Abbotskerswell was once owned by Ethelhilda, one of King Alfred's daughters. She owned the main manor house in Saxon times. During this time the area that is now known as Abbotskerswell, was known as Cress Springs in the Abbot of Sherborne. In 1806, Abbotskerswell was recorded in the Doomsday book under the name of 'Carswelle'. From this the name Abbotskerswell derived some years later. So there is your potted history lesson of a village you have probably never heard of in Devon.

The Court Farm Inn is where we decided to celebrate our friend, Dave's, 65th birthday. On arrival we were greeted with warm, friendly smiles and were directed to our table. The main menus were already on the table, but we were given an A4 sheet with the specials of the day, which saved us from having to go to the other side of the bar and try and memorize all that was on the special's board.

The birthday "boy" decided on the Smoked Haddock Fish Cakes “A combination of smoked haddock, mozzarella cheese, potato and spring onion in a crispy crumb coating, served with chipped potatoes and a crisp salad” It was beautifully presented and he thoroughly enjoyed this, but he wasn’t keen on the salad. In hindsight he should have asked for vegetables instead, but that was really his own fault!

His partner, Sue, decided on the Chicken Supreme.
“Butterfly breast of chicken topped with a creamy smocked bacon & parmesan sauce, served with sauté potatoes and fresh vegetables” Sue was surprised, at first, the chicken was in one piece as she had eaten the same dish in other places, and it had always been made with small chicken pieces. Also, she had not realized that it came in a bacon and parmesan sauce. She shared a healthy looking bowl of vegetables with Colin. She also enjoyed her meal.

Colin chose a Lamb Shank, “slowly braised in red wine and rosemary, served on a bed of creamed mashed potato” He shared a bowl of vegetables with Sue. Again, the presentation was very good and Colin said it was delicious. The meat was cooked beautifully and simply fell off the bone!

I was the only one who chose from the specials menu and I selected the Half a Roast Duck “in Plum and sweet chilli sauce on bed of stir fried vegetables, new potatoes and topped with parsnip crisps.

The Duck was beautifully cooked in its sauce and the stir- fried veggies were very tasty!