Christmas is now over and we start back to work today (if you're lucky enough to have had that much time off). If you have stuffed yourself silly you'll most likely be choosing ways to 'cut back' and gym 5 times a week. But let's be honest, what's a week, fortnight or even month without a dedicated date night? I have a constant battle every week to choose somewhere to eat and not go to the same 5 places, but with the use of my websites Southampton Focus and page Southampton Eats, I can actually keep track. As well as my new My VIP Card with discounts all over the city I'm all set. Failing that, just read my food section for more inspiration .......
I was invited down to The Old Forge in Otterbourne just before Christmas to see their new renovation, try out the food and experience the place. I hadn't heard of it before and it's a little further out than I would originally think so I was in for a whole new world here. It's pretty easy to get to off the motorway and set in a quiet little way off the road, with a greatly warming and inviting feel as soon as you walk in. It reminds me of those beautiful country pubs and restaurants you can just relax in for hours.
We both started of with a glass of wine and some olives as an appetiser and perused the HUGE menu selection. This was one of those times where I wanted to pick 5-7 dishes and pretend they weren't all for me so I could try them. I was even watching other peoples food coming out to try and make a choice!
For starters we shared two, the Seared Wild Atlantic Scallops and the Salt & Pepper Squid, and I have to say the scallops were some of the best I've tasted and they were so big! This definitely set the standard for the mains and I enjoyed every last bite. In the end we chose our main dishes, Charlotte felt like a steak and I saw a pasta that went to someone else's table so picked that as it took my fancy.
The steak was moist and tender and that's about all I got to taste before Charlotte told me she wouldn't share anymore food HA! I had the King Prawn, Crab and Chorizo Linguine and it was everything I wanted it to be. A really good portion of each meat in the dish, with enough sauce too. I honestly couldn't finish it, which is always a good sign to me because it means the portion sizes are just right. All of the food was so well cooked and presented, and with all the surroundings too it all felt very comforting. We also had a side of Tenderstem broccoli, asparagus & green beans in a soy glaze, and oh WOW both of us really went mad for it and were fighting over each piece. Someone get me that recipe!!!!!
Then came dessert, and you all probably know by now that I'm way more of a savoury person rather than sweet, but there were so many amazing things to choose from (and even though I was stuffed to the brim) I just knew it would be incredible, so I went for the White Chocolate Cheesecake Tower and 100% did not regret it at all. I devoured every bit of it and succumbed to the impending food coma. Charlotte had the Apple, Plumb and Damson Crumble and well, I didn't get to try it because, um, it disappeared before I could blink (also a good sign right?).
We headed (rolled) over to the more casual seating area for a coffee after dinner (mine decaf of course) and had a little girly chat. I have to say I will be going back here in the next couple of weeks, not just because it's now on my list of favourite places, but also because they have 50% OFF MAINS until the 30th January!!!! Sign up here to be eligible for the offer.
Thankyou so much to The Old Forge for such a wonderful evening!! Have you been recently? What was your favourite dish?
See you there soon!!
*Meal gifted for the purpose of the review but all food comas and opinions are my own I promise!!!
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