Ashley Barnard discovers supper with a capital S at Middleton Lodge’s Cellar Door Supper Club

AS DINING experiences go, an evening at a secluded Georgian mansion as part of an exclusive club sounded like it would deliver something special. And even though we were running late to get to our evening at the Cellar Door Supper Club at Middleton Lodge, in Middleton Tyas, all the stress of the day disappeared when we were presented with a glass of champagne in the cosy bar.

The supper club evenings take place on selected dates throughout the year but you’re better off joining the exclusive membership list and gaining first chance of booking and preferential stay-over rates.

The lodge is set in beautiful grounds at the end of a tree-lined driveway that makes you feel as though you have stepped back in time, and because the hall is only for use for weddings, functions, and the supper club evenings during the week, it is like you are attending an intimate party.

Before heading down into the cellar for our dinner, my boyfriend James and I eyed up the well-stocked bar and I soon abandoned the idea of driving home and put the bartender to work with making a couple of cocktails.

There was a nice touch of jars of delicious truffle oil-infused popcorn placed along the bar, and although we were a bit late for the first sitting we did not feel rushed to order or be seated downstairs.

It was not my first visit to the lodge. I had attended a ball there last year, but as that was held in the marquee I had not had the chance to explore the house, so I was keen to see how the cellar had been made into a dining room.

As well as being lit by lots of candle and lamps there were windows so it did not feel like we were being taken underground, and the vaulted ceiling, exposed brickwork and comfy leather seats added to the warm atmosphere.

Service was completely impeccable. The staff had clearly been trained to a high standard and although some looked very young they were confident enough to speak to us knowledgeably about the menu and wine list, were attentive without being too overbearing, and we were made to feel as though nothing would have been too much trouble.

FOR our starters, I chose slow-roasted chicken terrine, with apple and vanilla puree, sage and onion set cream, truffle, and a micro salad, and James ordered white onion veloute (which we found out was soup) with a blue cheese toastie and crispy onions.

My chicken terrine was fantastic, and all the little additions of the puree and set cream worked perfectly. However, after tasting James’ blue cheese toastie I was more than slightly jealous – it was crispy on the outside and full of a generous amount of gooey, melted blue cheese. For main course I ordered panfried turbot, pomme puree, shrimp butter with peas and broad beans. James went for the panroasted rump steak and goose fat chips, which again was delicious, but as he likes steak a bit overcooked for my taste I preferred my meaty chunk of turbot.

For dessert I had a praline parfait with chocolate cream and a hazelnut spike while James had the cheeseboard, even though it was not included in the three course offer and was quite pricey, but he thought it was worth the extra money.

During the evening there was entertainment from a local singer and guitar player, who was good but not particularly memorable.

It is possible to stay overnight after the supper club, but we had not arranged to. We did have a good snoop around the downstairs rooms though, which are comfortable and welcoming with open fires and large sofas. We didn’t end up leaving until after 10pm because we carried on drinking and chatting to staff in the bar well after we had finished dinner.

We both departed feeling that we had been treated to something very special, and the whole experience made it worthy of paying a bit extra.

The bill came to slightly more than £120, but for three courses, a cheese board, bottle of wine and a couple of cocktails, we thought this was great value.

Supper club nights continue on: Thursday, October 24 (Live Music featuring Lee Maddison Danny's House) Thursday, Oct 28 (Live Music featuring Val Boyers on acoustic guitar) Wednesday, December 18 and Thursday, December 19.

Christmas bookings are being taken for Thursday, Dec 5 and 12, for lunch and party nights, and Friday, December 20 for the Christmas Ball.

For applications to join the exclusive membership list or to book a table email sue@middletonlodge.co.uk, or visit middletonlodge.co.uk for more information.

Food facts

Middleton Lodge, Kneeton Lane, Middleton Tyas, Richmond, DL10 6NJ.

Tel: 01325-377977

Email: info@middletonlodge.co.uk

Website: middletonlodge.co.uk

Twitter: @MiddletonLodge

Food: 4/5

Service: 5/5

Ambience: 5/5

Value for money: 4/5