Readers, it’s been a few weeks since I last did a restaurant
review. Yesterday we went to The Cromlix,
known locally as “Andy Murray’s hotel” and quite frankly, if it’s good enough
for him… then it’s good enough for me.
We drove through from Glasgow and from the moment we
arrived, the service was first class. We were greeted by a member of staff in
the carpark, who took us into the bar, ensured we were seated and our coats and
jackets were stowed away. We had time
for a round of drinks before the main event…. A 3 course lunch at Chez Roux.
On arrival, I was super excited to see the open kitchen and
pass, where head chef Darin Campbell, formerly of One Devonshire Gardens, was
hard at work with his team. Chez Roux is
housed in an airy open conservatory overlooking the hotels croquet lawn and
tennis courts. It’s light, spacious and
has minimalist décor to appeal to all ages. Chez Roux is overseen by the legendary Albert
Roux and if we weren’t mistaken, there was a gentleman who looked INCREDIBLY
similar to him sitting in the corner talking to staff today…
Mr What Claire Baked and I went with my mum and dad, who’d kindly
taken us along for an early birthday treat.
Staff had taken care to remember this from the booking and asked on
arrival who’s birthday we were celebrating and if we’d travelled far today…
turns out it’s a great halfway point between my hometown near Dundee and our
Glasgow home.
Our drinks were taken to the table and we were presented
with some canapes to enjoy whilst we waited, along with a basket of fresh
bread. Cleverly, the staff take your
food order whilst you’re enjoying your drinks at the bar, so by the time you’re
seated, starters follow soon after. I
went for the gurnard salad with foraged greens to start, whilst my parents went
for gazpacho and Mr What Claire Baked got stuck into a pigs head
croquette. All were beautifully
presented.
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| My starter |
Soon after, the main event arrived. I had food envy across the table – mum went
for cod, whilst the rest of us chose the Ayrshire pork belly, served with
seasonal veg and dauphinoise potatoes.
Each was finished with a red wine jus, served hot at the table by the
exceptional waiting staff. Clean plates all round and everyone remarked that
portion sizes were perfect- the three course option left everyone feeling
fulfilled but not rolling out the restaurant!
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| Amazing pork belly with red wine jus |
I’m a huge fan of desserts, but often I’ll order and be left
disappointed when something mass made appears before me. Not here.
3 out of 4 of us went for the strawberry and mint panna cotta, served
with mini meringues and fresh mint leaves.
Mr WhatClaireBaked isn’t the biggest dessert lover so was delighted to
see a cheeseboard included with the 3 course lunch menu – so often, it’s only
available with a supplement. The
knowledgeable waitress took him through the 8 cheeses on offer from the trolley
and served him at the table with his choice.
 |
| Fantastic last course in an amazing lunch |
The panna cottas passed the wobble test and it was fantastic
to watch the team of chefs plating up on the pass in front of us. If something wasn’t right, they started
over.
We finished off with coffee and were brought some petit
fours to finish. Hats off to the person
who made the macarons – as my readers know, they are my baking nemesis!
 |
| Petit Fours to finish |
At £28.50 per head Chez Roux offered exceptional value for
money for a fine dining restaurant. We
were in for over two and a half hours and at no point did we feel rushed out
the door. The atmosphere was relaxed,
staff were very professional, knowledgeable and genuinely seemed interested in
their jobs. For those of you who don’t
know Cromlix closed in early 2012 after a period of financial difficulty and
was refurbished and reopened several years later after a purchase from none
other than local boy Andy Murray. (His brother married there in 2010 don’tcha
know…)
So, the verdict… we thoroughly enjoyed out visit. The food was superb and the three course
lunch was fantastic value for money.
Staff were so helpful and made us feel very welcome. The setting was stunning, the restaurant was
airy, bright and clean. Thankfully the rain stayed off during our visit, so we
could enjoy the views across the grounds.
We’ll definitely be back. Thanks also to the staff for this lovely finishing touch...
