First Report: The Malt Shovel - Hovingham

Popped into The Malt Shovel in the ancient and picturesque village of Hovingham last Sunday. Lady J and I were in urgent need of refreshment as it was 30 minutes past noon.

Passed by this delightful little hostelry many times in the past in transit to destinations farther north as was the case on this occasion. It's on an eye-catching scenic alternative route to the main drag. Having a little more time available than in the past we were more than happy to 'give it a go'. We were also ready 'to go' as well!

Anyway, ensconced in the restaurant area of this cosy, traditional country pub, we perused the menu. Relishing a cold Guinness - my occasional treat - I looked for choices other than meat dishes of which there was aplenty.

Being what I call a 'fish-vegetarian', I seemed to have a 'choice of one', namely the salmon. My wife decided to go tandem, following her initial choice of traditional 'Roast Beef and Yorkshires'.

After about 20 minutes or so our plates arrived. First impression 'good' as the plates had been heated. I like that! The salmon was appealingly red and firm without being dry and had a distinctive flavour. It was covered in what the menu described as a 'wild mushroom sauce' which was indeed mushroomy and made a happy marriage with the salmon.

I must confess, cabbage has been a 'no-no' for me since childhood, but this cabbage was surprisingly tender and tasty. Local, I was informed. But, there was...er, very little of it. Upon my request, the landlady brought me a generous 'seconds' served with a big smile. I think that was possibly a 'first' in my life in the cabbage department: I actually enjoyed it. No one more surprised than moi. Usually more a spinach and broccoli man.

Together with baton carrots, a few roast potatoes and mash, it was a satisfying dish. Not cheap at £11.50 each for one course and could have done with a little more veg.

But I reminded myself how often I would happily have paid more for better. Not at The Malt Shovel I hasten to add, but in so many other so-called professional eating establishments, when I've been disappointed by a meal. Well, this was an occasion when I was happy to pay more rather than be disappointed again. I still stand by that.

Summary

Service: Pleasant and efficient 8/10

Ambiance: Traditional and relaxed 8/10

Food: Good and wholesome 8/10

Value: Not cheap 7/10

Overall: 8/10

Bottom line: Recommended and would go again.

If this rating seems low to some, then it must be kept in mind that this is the highest that I have been able to rate any eating place anywhere - anywhere - for a long, long time. There have been times when I would without hesitation have rated a zero. Sad for me. Sad for them. That was happily not the case at The Malt Shovel.

'Thank You' to the proprietors and staff of The Malt Shovel for a very welcome restoration of faith in English eating out, particularly here in the heart of Yorkshire.

Two final points, for some of the best scenery and most interesting places of interest, the Howardian Hills of central Yorkshire and The Malt Shovel in pretty Hovingham, for reliable Yorkshire fare in a genuine traditional environment.


Carl
EatingOutInYorkshire



http://colitis-free.blogspot.com



_______________________________________________________________________