The Jenny Wren Inn, Susworth

October’s dining out saw me tackling some new terrain (well new to me!) and going across country to The Jenny Wren Inn in Susworth.
For those of you not familiar with this riverside village, a twenty-minute drive up the A15 from Lincoln and a left-hand turn through some of the county’s pretty villages will see you end up right on the banks of the River Trent.

We picked one of the last summer evenings for our visit, and before heading inside we went to take a look at the sunset over the banks of the river. During the summer months there are tables and chairs for those wanting to make the most of the picturesque views.

Looking at the building from the outside we hoped we would be in for a treat when we entered and we were far from disappointed. The original charm of this converted farmhouse has remained, from the fireplaces to the carvings in the beams.

Colin Metcalfe has owned the pub since 2003, and his new business partner Christine has been helping him at the helm for over two years. Between them they have sussed the perfect place to attract diners from near and far.

We were shown to one end of the restaurant to take our seats and take a look at the menu. As well as their À la carte choices the blackboard was full of tempting options. After spending a while perusing the options, my guest and I decided we couldn’t make a firm choice so we decided to order our top two choices and share them. We opted for the belly pork with a sweet mustard dressing and the Thai fishcakes with a sweet chilli sauce. Both were freshly cooked. The fishcakes had plenty of taste, with a slight kick, which I must admit I really enjoyed, while my guest thoroughly enjoyed the belly pork which was cooked to perfection with a crispy top. Both were from the specials board.

For our mains we both opted for choices from the specials board. I had the ham hock with colcannon mash. I have to admit I’ve not had a colcannon mash before, and I am completely converted. I believe all mash should be served like this. It was extremely tasty and I would highly recommend it when you visit. The ham hock I had been warned was very large, and it certainly was, although it too was very tasty (and they let me take home the leftovers so I was able to enjoy it for my lunch the following day too).

My guest chose the fish option, which was a duo of sea bass and haddock in a chive and butter sauce served with hand-cooked chips. The fish was cooked beautifully and flaked perfectly when a slight amount of pressure was applied.

Whilst we let our mains settle, Christine was keen to show us the recently refurbished function room. Located upstairs the room can be hired out for private events for up to fifty guests; however, it is also used as an extra restaurant at their busiest times.

The room has been lovingly, carefully and stunningly designed with a keen eye for perfection. I’m not sure what I was expecting as we walked up the stairs, but it is easy to say Christine has a keen eye for design and she has made a simply attractive space. Using olive green and champagne accents in the fabrics, greys on the walls and little touches including a sofa that would look at home in any five-star hotel this room would be perfect for any wedding reception, private party or simply any family get-togethers.

Once we had let our mains settle slightly we chose our desserts. There was only one for me, and that was the Baileys cheesecake. Always a firm favourite, this was no exception. Homemade, it was full of flavour with a crunchy base. My guest opted for the Eton mess, which was served in a tall glass and the traditional combination of meringue, strawberries and cream together with an added twist of raspberry coulis and ice cream, made this a perfect refreshing summer dessert.

Lincolnshire is lucky to boast some of the country’s best eating establishments and The Jenny Wren is no exception. A warm welcome always awaits you.

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