I am often asked to recommend a place for a bite to eat, and we were lucky in this area that there are a good number of establishments that you know you can be pretty safe putting forward.
The list of those, however, which I would recommend wholeheartedly and without reservation is not so extensive. But I have to say that the new-look Three Fishes has joined that select band.
Refurbished and clearly already thriving, it offers a winning combination of relaxing dinner, fabulous food and a great atmosphere. From the moment you enter and the glorious smell of wood smoke wafts by you feel at home. The stone flag floor and the simple table convey style without being pretentious.
As for the food, there’s more than enough choice – although it’s not a massive menu. But with local produce in abundance and a varied and unusual selection you have to be churlish to find fault. I opted for the cottage pie with onions and brown sauce at £7.50 while the better half went for the 5oz rump steak in peppercorn sauce at £8. OK, not the cheapest but actually excellent value for money when you take the quality into consideration.
Served in it’s earthenware dish, the cottage pie was a delight, packed with lean meat, vegetables and an excellent potato topping. I don’t usually like onions but the separate dish was a wonderful accompaniment.
The steak too was excellently cooked and served with home-made chips and button mushrooms.
The Three Fishes has managed to pull off the trick of offering style without being intimidating. A word too for the staff who were friendly without being in your face. I think time will prove that The Three Fishes is something special.