Hodgkinsons Hotel

Even on a busy Saturday night during Matlock Bath Illuminations,
Hodgkinson ‘s Bar and Restaurant lived up to it’s historic legacy. 
Originally built around  1770 as part of the New Inn, this Grade II listed building takes its title from the wine merchant Job Hodgkinson, who purchased it in the 1830’s and used existing lead mines cut into the hillside behind, to store his wine.
My partner and I had been looking forward to this special evening and we were greeted by Helena the charming waitress ,who showed us into their comfortable sitting room with Victorian antiques, and stuffed animals. Whilst we relaxed and contemplated the menu we enjoyed the surroundings and an aperitif.
The menu is changed daily with the choice of Three courses for £21.95 or two courses for £18.95. We ordered  a starter and a main course and were soon shown through to the restaurant.
The Restaurant area is little changed since Hodgkinsons day with it’s quirky ambience, many original fittings, and stained glass.
We ordered a bottle of  Australian Cabernet Merlot from the excellent wine list.
Our starters arrived my partner had chosen Roasted red pepper and aubergine with goats cheese, garnished  with sun dried tomatoes.
I had ordered Spicy fish cakes with salsa sauce and a  lime dressing.
To neutralise the palate between courses we were given  a refreshing rhubarb sorbet.
Followed by the main course of Wild Boar sausage, with red wine and juniper jus, with creamy mashed potatoes for my partner,
and I had wild mushroom cannelloni with grilled goats cheese, and a side dish of  beautifully cooked vegetables.
My partner is partial to a plate of cheese and biscuits, so for an extra £2 he ordered a selection, I couldn’t resist the meringue topped with cream and passion fruit which had the most amazingly exotic aroma.
We finished are meal with  a black coffee, and retired to the sitting room. We only wished that we had booked a room for the night, maybe another time!