Pickering Park Country House Hotel

We arrived early and were the first there. We had a couple of drinks whilst waiting for the others to arrive - they soon started turning up, with the first batch in period costume. Drinks are as expensive as you’d expect in a hotel.

When we retired to the dining room, we were set out as four teams of eight - we ended up with the foursome in period costume.

As starters were being served, the leader of the "Murder Squad" explained the format of the eveneing: Scene setting, then a one-act play in the dining room, followed by each member of the play visiting each table in turn to allow themselves to be subjected to interrogation. Following the main course, another round of one-act play and interrogation. Dessert was accompanied by a final act, and scoring.

This was the first time any of us had been to a murder mystery evening, but we were all impressed by the quality of the set-up, acting and ambience.

Now to the food:

Set menu for the event, with three options for each course.

Home made Tomato and Basil soup. (Verdict: Not tried)
Salad of Pan Fried Oyster Mushrooms in Garlic Butter, served over salad, topped with Hollandaise, crispy bacon and croutons. (Verdict: Very Good!)
Trio of Cheese Beignets, bond in choux pastry, deep fried and served with a white wine chive cream sauce. (Verdict: Excellent - would have been exquisite if it had arrived a little quicker, and thus hotter)

Pan Seared Fillet of Salmon. On a bed of Courgette ribbons, surrounded by a tomato and fresh Basil Coulis. (Verdict: Not tried)
Roast Rack of Lamb. Baked with a herb breadcrumb crust, served with a port and redcurrant jus. (Verdict: Excellent)
Corn Fed local (Goosnargh) Chicken Supreme, griddled, served with a forrestiere, mushroom, pinenut, bacon and tarragon cream sauce. (Verdict: Very Good)

White and Dark Chocolate Profiteroles
Strawberry Shortbread Hearts on a fruit coulis.

Coffee and Petit Fours

£16.50

We managed rough three bottles of the House Red - Whispering Hills, I seem to remember - quite passable, especially at £9.95 per bottle.

A very enjoyable evening - good food, good company, good hosts and good entertainment - all at a good price.

Recommended: 7.5 e's

Sandro (and Marg, Rae and Karl)

The Menu