Warm welcome at this inn

AS the autumnal night was falling, the glimmer of lights from a stunning restaurant welcomed us to the Cherry Tree Inn, Stoke Row.

Nat and Dan are the most wonderful hosts, with nothing too much trouble, the welcome as warm as the crackling, open fire.

To start, we enjoyed melt in the mouth mac ’n’ cheese fritters, with truffle mayo and parmesan and a sharing board of locally made breads, with fresh olives, whipped butter, garlic oil and balsamic and home-made houmous. We loved how everything is from the garden (such as rosemary for the latter) or locally sourced as much as possible.

For mains, the roast aubergine with miso dressing, giant couscous, and home-grown chilli was a substantial and delicious vegetarian offering. However, the Cherry Tree Steak Burger, Nettlebed Witheridge, fries, crispy bacon and parmesan was the clear recommendation. The quality absolutely shone through, and while the generous portion seemed impossible to consume my dinner guest succeeded — with a smile. Dessert was a white chocolate cookie, with vanilla ice cream that was warm and freshly baked and a divine sticky toffee pudding, with toffee sauce and salted caramel ice cream. Perfectly cooked, wholesome and comforting flavours for a cold evening.

As the clocks go back this weekend, we are propelled into darker nights as we approach the festive run. Where evenings feasting out with friends and family should be properly embraced in magical locations such as this.

Nat and Dan deserve every success with this thriving business. We would thoroughly recommend, and will be back soon.

Katie Thomas