Thursday 9th July will see the Cross Keys in Epperstone officially reopen its freshly painted doors for the first time since its refurbishment, under the watchful eye of new managers Des & Trish. NottinghamLIVE were lucky enough to be invited to a sneak preview ahead of the opening.
The new country dining public house has undergone a complete overhaul since April this year, which now includes a window into the kitchen, from which you can glimpse a fascinating view of Chef and co-manager Des Sweeney, former chef to the Royal Family, and his team hard at work creating delicious food from the new menu.
The team is proud to handle fresh ingredients from Fully Traceable Sources, supporting local farmers and businesses where possible, with some if the veg and herbs coming directly from the pubs own garden. We were given a sample of what the exciting new menu will offer.
The menu at “The Kitchen at the Cross Keys” may change according to season, but starters are set include chilled Mediterranean Gazpacho Soup, Hand Carved Serrano Jamon with Manchego and Wild Rocket, “The Kitchen Garden Salad” which includes the Cross Keys own Summer Leaves with Grilled Halloumi, Honey & Sesame Seeds, Broad Beans, Quails Egg and Local Beetroot whilst main dishes will include Grilled fillets of Mackerel, 10oz T-Bone steak and char-grilled chicken supreme.
Food will be served between 12pm -10pm with the pub also offering a selection of sandwiches, a venison burger, a “Charcutiere Platter” and Huntsman’s pie.
Dishes are bound to impress as Des has also previously worked as a Chef on the QE2, as Chef Saucier at The House of Lords and also at the Michelin-starred Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge.
Locally you may have seen Des during his time at Nottingham’s oldest restaurant Punchinello’s, where he was head chef for five years and for the past 10 years Des has been executive chef at Nottingham’s boutique hotel and top wedding venue, Woodborough Hall.
Des is passionate about passing on his wisdom to assist in the development of new apprentices within his trade. Over the past 6 years Des has worked alongside New College Nottingham, successfully assisting in the training of over 15 apprentices, some of whom have now become Head Chefs within their own rights.
Des and Trish have big plans for the future of the pub. They have spent weeks clearing the garden to the rear which now boasts a decked patio area and a large garden perfect for weddings marquees and even outdoor opera which the couple have planned.
For more information or bookings email: thekitchen@live.co.uk
Twitter @xkeysepperstone
Words and photographs by Tanya Raybould
