Russell's of Broadway

Eating

The food is the raison d'être of Russell's - and you soon see why. As we sat outside for an aperitif (champagne and rhubarb cocktail), we were brought out fat olives and paprika-smoked popcorn to accompany our drinks. After the sun set we moved into the attractive dining room (a medley of oak and crisp white linen napkins, although we felt some tables were too close together) and sat by the window for dinner.

You can choose from a set menu or go a la carte, which we did. Starters range from plum tomato and taleggio cheese tartlet with rocket salad (melt in the mouth) to parma ham with mozzarella and figs to a chicken confit with wild mushroom terrine. Mains were equally hard to choose between: pollock with peas, asparagus and Cornish new potatoes (delicious), pork T-bone with sweet potato puree and butternut squash, panfried organic salmon with salsify and anchovies. We washed our meal down with an extremely nice New Zealand sauvignon blanc (the wine list is impressive), then shared a heavenly sticky toffee pudding with vanilla pod ice cream for dessert.

Despite filling ourselves to the brim, we were still up for a hearty breakfast the next day. Fresh orange juice and croissants with homemade marmalade and jam got us started; we then tucked into big English breakfasts. Homemade museli, yoghurts, fruit salads and porridge were available for more health-conscious guests.

The restaurant is also open for lunch, offering a set and a la carte menu. If you'd prefer something lighter there are several cafes in the village.