Restaurants, Reviews | Posted on July 14th, 2022 | return to news
Hungry or thirsty? The Pear at Parley beckons
Review by Janine Pulford
Standing at the end of a magnificent tree-lined lane in West Parley is a pub with far-reaching views.
The Pear at Parley’s restaurant is regularly fully booked so Dorset View was looking forward to reviewing the summer lunch menu.
Over the last four years, The Pear’s owners have built a strong reputation for excellent dining in a relaxed atmosphere, and just when you think this experience can’t get any better – it does.
The outdoor Kitchen Garden is now open for the summer and booking is not required. Simply turn up Thursday to Saturday, 12.30-6.30pm, choose your spot outside and dine off the dedicated Stonebake Kitchen’s menu.
Owner, chef Mark Miller, said: “Our Stonebake Kitchen takes al fresco dining to a whole new level. Nestled in our impressive five-acre garden, customers can enjoy beautiful natural surroundings while feasting on a variety of delicious dishes including mouth- watering flatbreads, salads and house specialities including sumptuous Tuscan seafood stew.”
Review of restaurant summer lunch menu
It was a glorious Monday afternoon in June and the restaurant was busy.
We sat on the verandah and drank in the view as well as an elderflower pressé for me and a lemonade and lime for Nick.
My twice-baked cheese soufflé with sea salt croutes was a satisfying starter. Delectably cheesy, its outer crust hid an irresistible fluffy inner feast. Crispy croutes added texture. Nick’s heritage tomato and mozzarella salad, rocket pesto and sea salt was tantalisingly refreshing and he soon cleared his plate.
With food cooked fresh to order, there was a wait for the mains. It gave my expanding waistline time to recover ready for… beer battered fish and chips. I asked for the gluten- free option and what a delicious batter it was, with a light and crunchy texture. The cod was beautifully cooked and the chunky chips were crisp and filling. Meanwhile Nick was savouring chef’s tortellini with goat’s cheese, pesto and truffle oil. Waxing lyrical about the flavours, he thoroughly enjoyed his meal leaving not a scrap behind.
To finish, we shared a glazed lemon tart with raspberry sorbet. This perfectly balanced dessert made a heavenly end to a superb lunch. Service was provided by Cristina and Harry with plenty of smiles.
To dine in the main restaurant, the stables or in the unique woodland dining huts – seven days a week – please book in advance – 01202 578344.
The bar is open from 11am (11.30am Sunday) and the Kitchen Garden does not need to be booked.
Visit thepearatparley.com to see the full menus. With vegan, vegetarian and gluten- free options on offer, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
And once you’ve visited, you’ll find The Pear at Parley beckons you back time and again.
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