The New Inn, Wetherby Rd, Scarcroft, Leeds LS14 3AT (formerly the Bracken Fox)

Gourmet food at pub prices, but not perfect.

The best reviews to write are those where everything about the experience has been fantastic. Unfortunately that was not the case here but the food was good enough in both price and quality for the New Inn to warrant  a mention on goodtogo.

This establishment has been refurbished recently and only just reopened so it could be that the flaws we encountered are mere teething problems. I hope so.

We arrived on a beautifully sunny Wednesday lunchtime. Inside, the pub is an interesting combination of beams, wooden floors, tables and chairs with glass partitions separating different areas. The feeling is up market, olde worlde and very pleasant it is.

We opted for the extremely good value Fixed Price menu: One course £6, 2 courses £8, 3 courses £10, served in the beer garden, a grassy area situated at the side of the pub and although adjacent to the main road this wasn’t a problem.  

We had quite a wait even though the New Inn wasn’t particularly busy which wasn’t a chore because we weren’t in a rush and the weather was lovely. If this hadn’t been the case this could have been a problem.

My companion chose a main of Turkey, Ham and Apricot Pressed Pie accompanied by homemade potato salad and a smokey tomato chutney. This was a cold dish, ideal for the summery weather and rather like a pork pie in texture, firm,  dense and very tasty. The potato salad was created with skins intact proving its homemade credentials. However the portion was small and not very filling and no dressing was provided or offered for the accompanying side salad until requested.

I chose Chorizo and Tomato Strozzapreti a pasta dish using long, thick double strips of egg pasta which were pleasingly substantial and the sauce was delicious, just the right combination of tomato and juicy, flavoursome sausage. Unfortunately the dish arrived luke warm and without the promised Italian hard cheese so had to be sent back. However these errors were rectified quickly and efficiently.

When the Chocolate Torte dessert arrived it was outstanding. What was not a huge portion was totally compensated for by the thick, slightly heavy chocolatey gorgeousness of the main body on a fragile, crispy base. I love chocolate puddings and this is one of the best I have ever had. The crème freche on the side was a nice touch too as the slightly sour cream complimented the bitter sweet chocolate very well.

So this was a rather mixed experience. The food was good but there wasn’t enough of it. Mistakes were put right quickly but they occurred. We had to wait rather a long time for the main yet the dessert was prompt and to die for.

Nevertheless I would recommend a visit here and I shall be returning if only for another piece of chocolate heaven.

Tel: 0113 289 2748

http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/thenewinnscarcroft/

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