Saturday, November 24, 2012


Breda Murphy in Whalley

Our dear neighbour has been going here for years and I can see why. Simplistic and understated in design yet retains a personal and surprising convivial atmosphere for lunchtime meals.

The premises are part restaurant, part deli, part gift shop sitting in the old market town of Whalley. This ancient village hosts the ruins of an abbey and numerous artisan and specialist shops.

The food was impeccably cooked and presented and the balance of flavours well executed. Although the portions may appear to be on the small side (especially the main) by the end of the three courses we felt well fed and above all, (and this may be the most important consideration) contented. Overall it is much better to have less beautifully presented because dining then becomes also a visual experience which feeds the soul as well as the stomach.

I couldn’t fault the entire experience at Breda Murphy’s and that is a rare accolade; truly excellent.
5/5  
ßßßßß

Starter

Smoked chicken with braised chicken livers

Goats cheese quiche with red onion marmalade

Main

Sea bass fillet on creamed potato with hash brown, wilted spinach and a fennel Chou

Loin of lamb coated in crushed cumin with a mustard couscous and seasonal vegetables

Desert

Almond and Pear tart with vanilla ice cream

Apple and olive oil cake with salted butterscotch ice cream

Warm Whiskey & parsnip pudding with nutmeg Anglaise & vanilla ice cream

Coffee with a miniature homemade shortbread
 
Accompanying Wine – Australian Shiraz

Cost for 3 people £98