The Treby Arms 7/10
For Daddy’s birthday we took him to the Treby arms in sparkwell. 7/10 feels a bit harsh especially when for many reasons it was 10/10 best I explain the score.
The staff and the ginger chef himself were amazing especially with me and I even got a signed menu. The atmosphere was also brilliant, very relaxed for a Michelin restaurant while still feeling special. The high chair and table we were given were perfect for two adults and a baby, they are very baby and child friendly. The Merlot (Leyda) that mummy and daddy had was apparently exceptionally good and although not cheap a decent price.
So why 7/10 you ask? Well the food was a bit hit and miss. The black pudding scotch egg on the bar snacks was delightful, however the pork puff seemed like it did not really add anything to the dish. The starters were very good - I especially liked trying mummy’s chili, soya and mirin gurnard and daddy’s pork croquette came with a surprisingly refreshing gin and tonic turnip that complemented the pork perfectly. The main meats were very good. Both the venison and the duck were perfectly cooked, however again they came with some elements that seemed to be unnecessary additions. For example the venison came with a portobello mushroom with fois gras. The mushroom seemed to overpower the fois which mummy in the end removed and ate with the meat separately. Daddy’s duck came with a crusted duck heart which again did not really add to the dish and was quite tasteless.
For pudding we had the Treby gone carrots as seen on master chef, this was a bit like a deconstructed carrot cake in a pot. The presentation was phenomenal, we won’t spoil the drama by explaining. If you like a traditional carrot cake but also enjoy chocolate then this is for you. It was quite rich so one between two or even three if you don’t have a very sweet tooth is all you need. At 6 months I got to watch but not touch this time, I did however love seeing it arrive.
Daddy as you know does love bread and was a little disappointed not to get bread or petit fours, he did however say he was nicely full and enjoyed the decent portion sizes.
All in all 10/10 for experience 7/10 for the food.
Accommodation: we feel compelled to mention the bed and breakfast we stayed in called Cadleigh Manor. We stayed in the dart suite (more than big enough for mummy, daddy and my travel cot). The whole experience was a definite 10/10. Sharon (she was very good at baby cuddles) and Steve (the small holding king) are outstanding hosts and the breakfast was the best I have ever had since starting my weaning. We cannot recommend their Dartmouth ale sausages enough, we even bought some to take home. We also got to visit their 3 little pigs getting ready for the next batch. They also gave us a lift to the Treby so my parents could enjoy their wine that little bit more : )
