Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa in Retford offer a delicious 7 course tasting menu in their restaurant 1650 on Thursdays and Fridays. 

We began with Seared Foie Gras on toasted brioche with caramelised peach. Oyster with Guinness braised ox cheek, horseradish snow, Beef carpaccio with pickled strawberry. An eclectic range of flavours with the oyster being sweet and slightly salty and the tender, juicy beef being elevated with the pepper bringing out its richness.

Next, was the Beetroot & gin cured salmon gravlax with textures of cucumber. An aesthetic dish with the salmon being smoky and sweet and incredibly moreish. The braised pork belly & cheek, textures of carrot, ginger, coriander was one of my favourite dishes, tender and juicy pork with excellent crackling pieces that were well salted and the contrast of the sweet yet slightly spicy ginger enhanced the flavours.

Following this, a refreshing Champagne& elderflower sorbet was the perfect palette cleanser. Following this was, roast duck breast, confit leg croquettes, braised sweetheart cabbage and cherries. This dish blew me away in both terms of flavour and presentation. The deep, meaty savouriness of the duck was complimented by the fruity, sweet nature of the cherries. The trio of apple based desserts was incredibly moreish and comprised of unique yet balanced flavours that really celebrated the diversity of the fruit. Finally, handmade truffles served with coffee were rich and indulgent and the perfect end to an exquisite evening. 

Overall, the menu was well balanced in terms of taste and texture and really showcased the high quality local produce. The meal was filling overall and certainly reasonably priced given the skill that went into each dish. The venue was warm with an elegant interior that matches the historic nature of the setting with outstanding service from the staff to match, it’s certainly somewhere I’d return for a special occasion. 

Restaurant 1650 currently holds an AA Rosette and new Executive Chef Terry Phillips has re-designed the current A La Carte menu to create a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on key quality ingredients from local suppliers. The taster menu launches on Thursday 24th October and costs £65 or £100 with wine flight.

Available Thursday & Friday evenings from 6.30 pm. Booking essential 01777 705121. 

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Address: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa, Great North Road, Retford, DN22 8QS,

Book your table here: https://yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk/dine/dine

Watch my video TikTok review here: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGdRT6HqH/