Restaurant Review - The European Inn, Piddletrenthide, Dorset

Review of The European Inn (04/08/09)

Owner/Chef: Mark Hammick

There is something about the European Inn that appeals to me.

The restaurant is very laid back and simple – in fact it joins forces with the bar which has a few stools for the regulars – I can’t imagine it attracts too many regulars just for a beer – don’t get me wrong, I’m sure in the winter it makes for a cosy pub scene but it stikes me you would go there for the food! And Mark Hammick certainly can knock up a very good plate of food.

The simple décor does lead you into a false sense of security and hides the fact that the food is of a high quality.

The menu had changed from the last visit we made about a month ago and still just as tempting. My starter was Scallops (hand dived) with a rocket pesto – light and full of flavour without being over powering. Mrs H had a goats cheese starter – a especially light cheese at that with salad and balsamic vinegar. Both starters went down well.

For the main course I chose a slow braised mutton with ‘oniony potatoes’ and roasted beetroot. The tender lamb appeared to be compressed into a rondel shape and was served with pan juices. The beetroot variety was long and thin (no idea if it is meant to be like that!) rather than round but matched the lamb perfectly. The other main was pork - perhaps a little overdone for Mrs.H but the dish was good.

A tray of Dorset cheeses was then eaten and then I managed to squeeze down a Chocolate Fondant – I was glad to see this was still on the menu from the last time!

The wine list is not extensive but they are good ones. We, however, are rather partial to the Sherborne Estate (Dorset wine) white wine. A sauvignon blanc style of wine – and easy to drink with or without food – need I say more?

As we were booked in to stay the night we eventually drifted upstairs to a very comfortable room beautifully appointed, recently refurbished room - spacious, really comfortable bed and lots of welcome extras such as bottled water, sherry (!) and dressing gowns- we always get a good nights sleep there. We’ll be back there again!