The Boot in Histon, Cambridgeshire offers pub classics with an imaginative French twist
The Cambridge Independent went along to sample the spring menu
Raymond Blanc has recently launched his latest venture into the region with the opening of his new White Brasserie at The Boot pub located in the popular village.
Following a full refurbishment, the restoration has been designed to enhance the grade I-listed building’s historic features and character it does indeed provide a pleasant and friendly period atmosphere upon entry.
Glancing at the menu, quite a few of the dishes initially caught my eye. Main courses that leapt of the page included Malabar fish curry, free range chicken with Peruvian glaze, steak frites and Moroccan lamb tagine.
Starters-wise, there were fewer options that instantly appealed and I was a little disappointed that they didn’t have my first choice: Vietnamese summer rolls (fresh rice paper rolls with vermicelli noodles, avocado, carrots, mint, cucumber and coriander pesto with a ginger soy dipping sauce).
In the end I went for the Scottish salmon with beetroot and horseradish crème fraîche, which also included cauliflower florets, and it was very nice, the vegetables tasting particularly good covered with the crème fraîche.
After careful deliberation, I managed to narrow the main course choices down to Malabar fish curry, the chicken with Peruvian glaze (paprika and soy) – which comes with sweet potato wedges – and the steak frites (steak and chips with herb and mustard butter) before finally deciding on the fish curry.
It was superb. The curry sauce was thick, creamy and delightful and the coconut rice really added to the overall flavour. I believe I made the right choice.
My wife had the potted Cromer crab with avocado and prawn butter – served with sourdough toast – to start and then went for the marinated king prawns with black rice, lemon, coriander, Mediterranean herbs and spices, broad beans, peas and French beans to follow, both of which she very much enjoyed.
Deciding what to have for pudding again proved quite tricky. In the end I chose the chocolate mousse cup with black cherry compote, chocolate crumble, chocolate cream and mascarpone. It was as tasty as it sounds, the black cherry compote giving it that extra something.
My wife had the pistachio soufflé with rich chocolate ice cream, and again the feedback was positive.
A good selection, fairly reasonably priced, creative and well-prepared dishes and an outside seating area, The Boot is the ideal place to go one evening to make the most of this lovely weather we’ve been having.
boothiston.com
