Northop Golf and County Club’s Far Pavilions

Apr 4 2008 by Rachel Barrows, Flintshire Chronicle

Sundays provide the opportunity to while away the last few hours of free time before it’s back to the weekly grind. I, like many others, tend to let this quality time slip by.

However, not last Sunday, the first day of British Summertime.

The sun was indeed shining, so I prised myself and my sister, Sara, away from the sofa and headed to the golf course.

All the way to the 19th hole, or, to be more precise Northop Golf and County Club’s Far Pavilions restaurant, for another British tradition – the good old Sunday roast.

Approaching the impressive clubhouse along what is a beautifully landscaped route, I clocked clusters of golfers leisurely teeing off.

The relaxed atmosphere continued as we walked up the beautifully wood panelled staircase passing mementoes of the club’s captains and the golfing victories of members.

We didn’t have to wait to be seated, a friendly waitress led us to straight to our table, which had beautiful views over the balcony and the rolling greens beyond.

I have to admit I wouldn't know an iron from a putter if it knocked me out.

The one and only time I played what was an unplanned game of golf, I negotiated the course in heels – a cringeworthy mistake in hindsight.

Luckily for me there’s no need to be a member of the club, or actually be that interested in the game, to take advantage of the restaurant.

Inside, the tables are laid out with enough space between so you only catch the muted conversations of other diners.

There’s nothing worse than being shoehorned into a packed restaurant like sardines in a tin only to have to listen to the next table discussing their toddler’s potty training troubles, while sipping your soup.

Sunday fare is not known for its diversity, but there were some subtle additions to the usual roasted offerings like the pan fried chicken with a herbed sausage and stuffing ball or baked fillet of salmon topped with a prawn bisque.

Prices are a very reasonable £8.95 for one course, £11.95 for two and £14.95 for three.

We decided to go for a starter and a main.

Both my sister and I opted for the garlic and fresh herb mushrooms smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and crusty roll.

Also on offer among the menu’s starters were cream of celery and stilton soup and home made chicken liver pate with a red onion chutney and crisp salad with crusty bread.

For the main course I couldn’t help but go for the old favourite of roast beef, while Sara chose the salmon.

A waiter took our drinks order, offering the wine list, which I sadly had to refuse as my car was parked outside.

The mushrooms arrived, freshly cooked with steam still billowing from the dish.

All too often I’ve been offered lukewarm starters, pre-cooked and kept vaguely warm ready to be served, but this certainly didn’t fall into that bracket.

The sauce was like a very rich, thick soup. Not too heavy on the garlic with subtle herbs surrounding the mushrooms.

The waiting staff were attentive, but not the kind who loiter intrusively near your table ready to pounce as soon as you’ve laid down your fork.

The main course came pretty quickly after the starters.

My plate arrived with three generous, lean slices of beef, a tempting Yorkshire pud and roast parsnips.

Sara’s salmon looked cooked to perfection, which she confirmed was the case, as she tucked in.

Then came the selection of vegetables, all my favourites – a dish of roasted butternut squash, aubergines and courgettes, broccoli and cauliflower cheese, carrots, roast and boiled potatoes.

There was more than enough for the two of us and I think I’d probably have settled for the delicious roasted vegetables and broccoli and cauliflower cheese on their own.

The beef was tender, but not rare and the gravy and Yorkshire pudding were good too.

Struggling to finish the mains, we decided dessert wasn’t an option, until we looked at the menu again.

There was trio of chocolate torte with mint and brandy cream, homemade Bailey’s cheesecake served with cream and ice cream and homemade bread and butter pudding with custard.

After the ever patient waitress witnessed us wrestling with our decision, she kindly offered a plate with a small serving of each of the three desserts to share.

We readily accepted the offer, even if we were a little embarrassed at the volume of food we were scoffing.

I’m glad we did because they were all great. The mint and brandy cream was gorgeously refreshing with the torte and the homemade Baileys cheesecake was a great combination of flavours.

The bread and butter pudding was quite stodgy, but then could it be anything else?

Feeling more than a little full we departed.

And after enjoying those pleasant views, the great food and warming atmosphere of the Far Pavilions I must admit I felt ready to face the long week ahead.