Poacher's Bistro

Poacher's Bistro has been created by restaurateur Chris Tandy within a lovely old 17th century Dog and Gun Inn in the delightful village of Thurlaston. The rural but still accessible village lies just five miles west of Leicester city centre.

You could stop by at Poacher's to relax over a bottle of wine and some snacks on the heated outdoor terrace, or find yourself a cosy spot in the country restaurant, and enjoy a glorious modern British meal with international flavours.

Chef Kevin Doughty, considered by many to be one of Leicestershire's leading chefs, has recently joined Poacher's and feels the bistro 'certainly won't be the best kept secret in Leicestershire for much longer'. The owner and chef, who have been friends for over a decade, now look forward to taking Poachers to its next level of development.

To provide an idea of what is on offer on their á la carte menu, their first courses could include a risotto of tiger prawns, white crab meat and peas, smooth chicken liver parfait served with spiced pear chutney and toasted brioche, or lightly sautéed pigeon breast on rocket and citrus salad finished with a pomegranate jus.

These could be followed by 8oz prime fillet of grass-fed beef topped with fresh asparagus with a wild mushroom and Marsala sauce; pan-roasted Gressingham duck breast finished in a cointreau and orange sauce served with a timbale of saffron infused rice, or trio of venison, tomatoes and pork sausages in an onion and Bordeaux gravy.

But leave room for the wonderful Poacher's double chocolate tart served with Grand Marnier ice cream, or a lemon and lime meringue infused with Limoncello. The cheese platter includes such choices as Quenby Hall Stilton, Sparkenhoe Red Leicester and Brie, all accompanied by crackers, grapes, and red onion marmalade.

Separate menus offer light lunches, and a selection of paninis, pizzas, and sandwiches. Poacher's boasts a superb wine list, including 14 wines by the glass, from the House Aldridge Estate to the majestic Krug 1976 Collection. The bistro provides conference facilities and specializes in sporting luncheons and dinners for both corporate functions and followers alike.

Their comprehensive Website will provide you with far more information, including their menus, wine list and details about forthcoming events.

Images supplied by Jim Tomlinson.