
Squash risotto
However, when one of my annual Christmas lunches was booked there, I was pretty pleased to try it in this context, to see how it handled a large party, with mixed dietary needs and a range of ages.

Soup
A twinkly Stockbridge basement, just next door to the Last Word Saloon, we had the run of the place to ourselves, which was probably no bad thing as it allowed the adults to behave as boisterously as they liked.

Salmon
Once we were seated around two smart tables, we quickly romped through the ordering process. I started with the Jerusalem artichoke soup then followed with a venison casserole. We ordered desserts, also, with cheese from Mellis proving a popular choice.

Pheasant
There were similar noises of approbation round the table, with mention that the haddock risotto was similarly impressive.

Lasagne
Sadly my venison casserole was pretty tame stuff. It showcased a fine local ingredient, and the dish was finished with smart parsnip crisps and smooth potato, but it lacked sparkle and wasn’t to the standard of the other dishes.

Cheese
We rounded things out with decent espresso and good petit fours.
So overall, there was a lot to like at The Stockbridge Restaurant. I managed to locate the weakest dish on the menu, which was a shame, but the soup and cheese were both excellent making the experience a very positive one. I’d be happy to visit again.
Scores
Blythe scores the Stockbridge Restaurant
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
4/5 for service
giving an overall 15.5/20
Today’s questers were: Alan, Ana, Andrew, Gareth, Grayson, John, Malcolm, Max, Mike, Phil, Rachel, Sandra, Sharon, Susan, Blythe
We ate: crab cakes, Jerusalem artichoke soup, haddock risotto, butternut squash risotto, salmon, venison, pheasant, open lasagne
We drank: red wine, white wine, Roots soda, water, coffees, tea
We wore: attendees under 2 were conspicuously better dressed than most the adults
Total bill: c.£50 per head
54 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge, EH3 5AL
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