Gibsons Grey Lady

Gibsons Grey Lady provides quality eating out for those looking for something well above the average, in a setting that draws extravagantly on this delightful and scenic part of Leicestershire. Since 1988 the people of Leicestershire have come to realise this and the restaurant's reputation is now well established.

The restaurant is located opposite the gates of Bradgate Park, home to Lady Jane Grey, England's shortest serving Monarch. Much of the house is thatched, mature trees abound in the four acres surrounding it, and it would be hard to find a more idyllic setting.

The menus are very much market-based and Martin Gibson, the Chef/Proprietor is no stranger to the local sources and suppliers, all of whom have a pretty accurate idea of the standards he sets. The a la carte menu could include freshly carved traditionally smoked salmon, served with lemon and black pepper, or a ravioli of chicken livers with Gruyere and tomato sauce.

Main courses of smoked haddock fillet, breast of duck, and baked avocado served with potato cake, carrot and orange sauce serve to demonstrate the freshness of the produce which, combined with Martin's skills at the stoves, illustrates only too clearly the quality built up over the years.

A speciality of the house is the Beef Wellington, rack of lamb and grilled Dover sole, or steaks, all of which are given the final preparation at table.

There is always a good choice of homemade puddings and the cheese plate arrives complete with a glass of port. Somehow most of the meals at Grey Lady seem to end up with delicious freshly brewed coffee and Belgian Chocolates. Service is cheerful and homely.

On Tuesdays to Fridays an Early Bird menu is offered between 6 and 7.15 pm. Exceptional value at two courses for £12.95 or three at £16.95, starters offer four choices including home made soup, a camembert, caramelised apple and walnut tart, served with a fruity Cumberland sauce, or rillettes of home smoked and cured salmon with cucumber and fresh dill.

Braised shank of lamb with root vegetables roasted in honey, a roast meat of the day, a grilled fish of the day or a duo of filet Mignon on croutons, one topped with pate, the other with wild mushroom sauce, or breast of chicken leaves adequate room for self-expression.

The wine list is thoughtfully compiled and includes a number of soft press wines, described as "ideal drinking wines for fitting into modern life, wines with classic flair, happy to suit a lunch time meal". The New World is well represented and prices do not venture above £20, with some real value mark-ups not hard to find.

It is restaurants such as this that constitute a core of continuity and inexpensive service which in an urban location might be termed a neighbourhood restaurant. In the country they serve the same purpose, but in a more relaxed fashion. The Gibsons are not only making a living but also performing a public service, and it is places like this that help create a sense of community.

For all their current menus and information about Gibsons Grey Lady, do visit their Website.