We’re not quite sure how it’s happened (given the amount of annual leave His Nibs has already used), but it transpired that The Man Bird had a few days leave from work left to take - no second telling needed here! So, with a newly-found spring in his step at the prospect of some free-time, His Nibs wasted no time at all in finding somewhere for us to have a cheeky brunch or lunch out.
Fledge and The Beau had been chewing our tabs a couple of weeks previous, saying they’d had a rather tasty brekkie at Stretton Hall Farm near Clay Cross. Now, being from ‘Cross’ stock, I know the area pretty well, but couldn’t think of a place called Stretton Hall Farm in the town? Turns out, it’s actually between Littlemoor and Holmgate, at Hollins Wood; postcode-wise, Clay Cross, but not, if you know what I mean? Anyhow, we managed to find it and parked the jalopy in one of the free spots.
There’s two ‘sides’ to the venue: the farm shop and outside seating area that has a log-burner and sheepskins on the chairs, and the barn that houses the tearoom. Typically, we’d arrived smack-dab between breakfast and lunch service, so we sat and supped some fantastic Hot Chocolates that had Bailey’s Chocolate Orange liqueur in (mine had a massive swirl of whipped cream on, too!) whilst we waited for lunch to ‘open’.
Some of the tables had been reserved, and there were a couple of party gatherings happening, so there was a good buzz around the open plan tearoom. As you’d expect, there were wooden ceiling cross-beams and lots of rural prints in evidence, giving a proper country vibe to this venue, and giving a nod to the farm origins of the building.
It was soon time for The Man to go to the counter and place our food order: Pie of the Day for him (Chicken, Ham and Leek, £12.95), and a Bacon, Brie and Cranberry Panini for me (£8.95). The Pie came with chips included, so I added a portion of Sweet Potato Fries (£4) to go with my meal. The serving team were all lovely, and the particular lady who brought our meals out, did so with a broad smile on her face.
The Man Bird was jolly happy when he clapped eyes on the size of the Pie on his plate, and even more so when he took the first bite of it! Chunks of tender Chicken and Ham melted in his mouth, paired with nicely softened, gently oniony Leeks; everything was bound in a white sauce that just added the perfect amount of ‘wetness’ to the pie without it being soggy or sloppy. Garden Peas added a bright taste to the dish, and crispy-outered Fries completed the ensemble.
My Panini might not win any beauty contests, but it was blooming delicious! The bread was nice and soft and absolutely crammed with thick slices of gooey, melting Brie, crispy Back Bacon and lots of sweet, tangy Cranberry Sauce. Perfect for the festive season run-up, this type of Panini is a winner all year-round. Satisfying and flavour-packed, a Panini makes the perfect lunchtime meal, and this one is served with a crunchy Coleslaw and Side Salad to really get the taste buds tingling and the juices flowing. I love Sweet Potato Fries and these were comfortingly soft and sweet, their starchy sugars hitting the satiety zone’s bulls’ eye.
In a rare occurrence for us, The Man and I had a second Hot Chocolate - I did skip the cream this time, though…I’m sure my arteries squeaked a ‘thank you’! This may have been an impromptu, swift visit, but it won’t be our last; Hot Wings happily given to this tucked away treasure.
To book a table call 07399 664547. Stretton Hall Farm Tearooms are open Weds-Fri 9.30am-4pm, Saturday 9.30am-5pm, Sun-Mon 9.30am-4pm, and closed on Tuesday. To keep up with all the ‘Tea’, head to the Facebook Page ‘Stretton Hall Farm’.
