Simon Bolsover Unveils Inaugural Menu At Seaham Hall

A LEADING North East restaurant is celebrating its latest accolade with the launch of a menu paying tribute to the best of British ingredients.

Byron's Bar and Grill at five star Seaham Hall, County Durham - voted Small Hotel of the Year at the North East Tourism Awards 2013 - was recently awarded a prestigious second AA rosette for the excellence of its food and service.

Now, head chef Simon Bolsover, who took over the reins last month (April), is paying a patriotic tribute to British cuisine with an inaugural menu featuring the finest ingredients from across the UK.

Asparagus from the Wye Valley, Scottish smoked salmon and cheeses from Northumberland and Cumberland all feature in dishes which are traditional in origin but prepared and presented with the contemporary twist which is Simon’s trademark.

These include starters such as potted shrimp with spiced butter, served on a seashore and ham hock terrine with piccalilli, sourdough crisp and pork puffs.

Along with main courses, such as butter poached chicken with Jersey Royals, broccoli textures and tarragon hollandaise, diners can opt for salads – including salt baked beetroot with sunflower seeds and sour cream – or antipasto-style plates of artisan meats, fish and seafood or vegetarian tapas.

The restaurant also offers a selection of grilled meat and fish, cooked over whisky barrel and charcoal embers in an indoor clay barbecue, along with  side dishes and a choice of peppercorn or Béarnaise sauces.

Sweet-toothed diners can then choose from a range of desserts, including tea cup trifle, lemon tart, snow eggs with passion fruit and mango and a tarte tatin for two people, as well as a comprehensively stocked cheeseboard featuring locally produced Blagdon Blue and Northumberland Cheviot.

Seaham Hall general manager Ross Grieve said: “Simon’s creativity and understanding of ingredients really is exceptional and this menu reflects that.

“He and his team take the finest ingredients and present them in ways which are totally unexpected and unique and the results are truly memorable.”

For more information about Seaham Hall, or to make a reservation, visit www.seaham-hall.co.uk or call 0191 516 1400.