Fischer’s Baslow Hall, Derbyshire - Restaurant Review

Cuisine: International
Style Points: 5/5
Location: Derbyshire, Peak District
Price: £££
Overall: 5/5

Covid-19 Safety Measures:

All staff wear masks at all times
Hand sanitiser available
Socially distanced tables

TASTING NOTES

During my travels through the Peak District I discovered some amazing landscape, delicious fresh produce, and of course outstanding restaurants. One such venue which was on my must-visit list was Fischer’s Baslow Hall, an award-winning, long standing fine dining restaurant located in the Derbyshire hillside.

Fischer’s Baslow Hall is a luxury venue and this is evident from the moment your car turns into the tree-lined private driveway snaking up towards the elegant hall. Once we reached the entrance we were welcomed into the charming and luxurious lounge area to relax before our meal with a drink and the first amuse bouche on the menu. This is a beautiful space with a log fire for winter and double doors that open out on the terrace during the summer months.

Food?

Once ready to dine the professional and friendly waitering staff guided us through to the dining area, a large and light space with tables dotted along the windows and the side of the room.

We couldn’t wait to get stuck into the well-renowned Tasting Menu, which features 9 courses of stunning internationally inspired food. Fischer’s takes pride in the fact that the majority of their ingredients are locally sourced, many from their own garden and farm, or foraged from the heart of the Peak District. As a result the menu combines international cooking techniques with fresh local produce, which, with the skill of the chefs, results in some sumptuous dishes.

The menu starts with four amuse bouche dishes, including carrot and tarragon tart, wild mushroom arancini and langoustine with lemon and pepper. My favourite was the Hollandaise pillow, which delivered a delightful explosion of Hollandaise sauce.

The first course was Artichoke, with crowdie, truffle and gnocchi artichoke broth. This was a delicious warming start to our meal and set the scene beautifully for the following courses. Next was the sea trout which was coated in radish seaweed, a dish which had a delicious combination of flavours.

The next course was pasta based and was Tortellini, served with truffle, savoy cabbage, white bean veloute. This was a delicate but scrumptious dish and the decadent truffle flavours enhanced the dish very well without overpowering it.

Our next dish was one of my favourites. The Pan Braised Halibut, was served with fennel, orange and divine langoustine bisque which was oozing with rich and addictive flavours. I certainly could have eaten another one of these!

The next dish had a lot to live up to and it succeeded! We were presented with Roasted Quail Breast was served with red onion beetroot and a beautiful jus which brought the dish together beautifully. Every mouthful was seductive and more-ish, resulting in another dish which polished off nicely.

For the last course before dessert we were presented with sirloin of baslow beef with turnip, onion and faggot. I tried the vegetarian equivalent, a luscious swede pinwheel which was roasted so well the crunch was exemplary!

Next to cleanse our palate we were presented with what sounded like a strange dish but actually turned out to be one of my favourites. The celeriac ice cream with yuzu and fresh lime was a revelation, as the flavours infused really well and produced a stunning dish.

Our first dessert was a blood orange parfait with hazelnut and dark chocolate, soon followed by the final dish of the Tasting Menu, Rhubarb with cardamon, vodka and lemon thyme. Both desserts were light and mouth-watering and ideal to end the exquisite meal with.

Price:

The price for our exemplary Tasting Menu was £90 per person, with an addition of £50 for wine pairing. This may seem slightly on the steep side, but for the quality of the food and the amount of delectable dishes that are served, this is more than reasonable amount.

There is also the choice to enjoy a selection of British cheeses following the meal, for an additional £12.95. Or to enjoy coffee and petit fours in the relaxed setting of the lounge for £6.75.

Overall?

Head chef James Payne, accompanied by Adam Thackeray, Nathan Wall and team have created an amazing menu which delights all parts of the palate. Each dish is well-thought through and composed to perfection, resulting in a menu which is both visually impressive and culinarily satisfying too.

The entire experience from when you first walk through the door, including the exquisite decor, fresh local ingredients and attention to service, exudes fine-dining finesse.
Fischer’s Baslow Hall is the perfect place to celebrate the great food of the Peak District.