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, which has recently been completely refurbished with a brand new look, is located opposite the gates of Bradgate Park, once 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. Guests can enjoy a drink overlooking the stunning gardens or step in to the recently refurbished dining area for a relaxed meal.

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 salmon or prawn fishcake with parsley sauce, or vintage red Leicester on toasted caramelised onion bread with dry cured bacon.

Main courses of seared fillet of sea bass, slow roasted pot of lamb, and baked Stilton and leek cannelloni 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. Look out for some well-tried dishes such as ploughman's and meat platter of honey roasted ham, smoked pork loin, home cured beef, bread and piccalilli.

There is always a good choice of homemade puddings and the cheese plate, which arrives with biscuits and chutney. 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.

Starters include breaded whitebait and homemade tartare sauce, mini beef burgers, cheese and bacon, and nachos with guacamole, tomato salsa and sour cream. Ham and vegetable terrine, smoked haddock with bubble and squeak, and field mushroom omelette soufflé with Stilton and pear salad leave 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 much 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.