IWFS Award

David Packer, Chairman of the Wessex Branch, presented an award to Barbara Cossins, Proprietor and Manager, and to Head Chef Seb Paulinyi at lunch at the Langton Arms.  The photo shows Barbara and Chef Ryan receiving the award on Seb's behalf.

The citation supporting the award reads as follows...

"The Langton Arms is an attractive 17^th century thatched inn situated in the picturesque Dorset hamlet of Tarrant Monkton near Blandford.  The Stables Restaurant is located in the comfortable surroundings of an old converted stable, with a conservatory and French doors opening onto the pleasant gardens.

 The inn is owned and managed by Barbara Cossins, an altogether charming hostess.  Her husband James runs the Home Farm at nearby Tarrant Rawston, which provides much of the beef and venison served in the restaurant.  In recent years the family has also started growing their own vegetables for the restaurant.  What they do not produce themselves is sourced locally as far as possible.

 The menu for our Lunch on Saturday, 13^th August 2011 in the Stables Restaurant is attached.  The “Platters to Share” for the starter were just that: large dishes placed on each table, one containing a variety of seafood, another with slices of smoked duck breast and duck liver parfait, from which we could help ourselves.  A bowl of delicious creamy mushrooms was also passed round as an accompaniment.  The platters were attractively presented and the individual items were without exception excellent.  

 The beef and the venison for the main course came from the Home Farm and were universally applauded, both very tender and very tasty.  The sea trout was equally good, a thick fillet fresh fromPoolethat morning, liberally encrusted with herbs and perfectly cooked. 

 The home-made desserts were first class, particularly the excellent home-churned ice cream.  The generous selection of fine West Country cheeses was very well received.

 The restaurant has a very good wine list, but to ensure that the wines matched the food perfectly our Chairman, David Packer – who had arranged the event – brought in his own selection.  They were a Saumur Rosé (Gratien & Meyer); Chablis, Domaine William Fèvre, 2009; and Minervois, La Livinière, Château Sainte-Eulalie, Cuvée Cantilène, 2008 (Coustal).  Both the dessert and the cheeses were accompanied by a rich old Oloroso.

 The service throughout was informal but efficient and the atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming. 

 This is the third visit of the Wessex Branch, and we will be sure to return.  This Commendation is made with grateful thanks."