Angels in Ribchester has held or flirted with Trip Advisor’s top spot for some considerable time and built up significant local support. With an empty stomach I booked myself in for their special Autumn Food Month menu…
AdvertisementTo start with the smoked sweet corn & lime soup confit chicken wasan unusual ensemble, but one that really worked. Lime isn’t associated with Autumnal cooking, but it added freshness to balance the rich flavoursome meat.
The fish course came in the form of seared mackerel, beetroot, horseradish, celeriac, which was wonderfully presented and in keeping with the seasons. The oiliness of the fish against the sharpness of the beetroot is a classic combination that hasn’t become a tired cliché on menus. I must remember to buy more beetroots.
The main course proudly consisted of guinea fowl, spiced squash, mushroom Bolognese. Who would have put Bolognese with guinea fowl? I don’t care if your Italian and your family’s Bolognese recipe has been passed down mother to daughter for generations; it couldn’t have competed with this. The guinea fowl itself was so succulent; it makes me wonder why we bother with turkey at Christmas?
For dessert the blueberry chocolate blondie, caramelised apple, caramel cream was how puddings should be, indulgent yes, but not comma-inducing. As if that wasn’t enough the Northumberland Baltic ale washed cheese, fruit & peanut loaf concluded the consumption, although I wasn’t its biggest fan. There is something geriatric about dried fruit and nut loaves that I’m always wary of.
I haven’t mentioned wine yet because I’ve gone on long enough and we all have our favourites anyway. However, for a tricky dessert pairing the Concha y Toro Late Harvest Sauvignon wasn’t cheap, but with its light honey and peach flavours was lovely with the creamy desert.
A lot of thought and effort has gone into the interior of Angels and perhaps the glitz won’t be to the taste to those of a more conservative persuasion. For my money, Angels gets it just right with a tastefully muted colour scheme with just a touch of kitsch humour. Restaurants need an element of fun, how they achieve that while retaining their professionalism is a big challenge, but one that Angels has found the answer to.
Finally, just as much as effort is put in by the staff who all work hard, and will almost certainly make your meal an enjoyable one should you be lucky enough to visit.
Food 9/10
Atmosphere 9/10
Service 9/10
Value 9/10
Total: 36/40
Don’t just take our word for it, see what everyone is saying on Trip Advisor. Angels currently has five out of five stars and a certificate of excellence.
Our food reviewers pay for themselves and aren’t invited by the venue, if we are we will always say in the review.
Have you ever eaten at Angels? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below