The Bakers Arms Thorpe Langton

I'm always on the hunt for warm, friendly, cosy country pubs with top notch food and service and The Bakers Arms in Thorpe Langton has to be one of my favourites!

The thatched roof and all round quaintness makes it as quintessentially English and inviting on the outside as it is on the inside.

Thorpe Langton is a pretty little village in the rural Leicestershire countryside. It is a real farming community and upon arrival we introduced ourselves to some cows nearby who were settling down to their own gourmet meal! 

With the howling, blustery winds so typical of March and the heavens opening for extra measure, we quickly scurried into the pub/restaurant to be met by some very friendly faces and a lovely, crackling open fire.

Once inside I immediately felt at home. 

There was plenty of space between tables and the window by which we sat, gave the interior a light and airy feel. 

The country style decor, log fire, gorgeous beams, flagstone floor and interesting nooks and crannies epitomises the perfect country English pub.There were even candles on the tables which added to the homely setting.

Having drooled over the dishes on the menu board by the bar and placed our orders with the amiable and efficient staff, we did not have to wait long for the starter.

Now I did not think mushroom soup could really be that interesting. Well, I was wrong! This mushroom soup was off the taste scale. Rich and deeeeelicious.  

We arrived early for lunch and it was not long before the pub filled up creating a warm, easy going atmosphere. The happy chatter of other diners added to the ambiance and was not too loud or overbearing.

In between courses we noticed some intriguing ornaments adorning the beams. Old pumps for the log fire do you think? 

Anyway enough of that -we've the second course to attend to! My confit of duck with red pepper and ginger marmalade was another taste sensation...Golden, crispy skin on the outside with tasty, tender meat falling away from the bone underneath. 

The marrying of flavours was just so right - I've great respect for the chefs, who must seriously know their stuff.

Confit of duck with red pepper and ginger marmalade

We also chose Pork fillet wrapped in pancetta and grain mustard sauce with a little apple puree on the side and roasted parsnips. 

After trying some (purely for testing purposes!) I can report that again the meat was tender and succulent and the combination of flavours worked a treat. 

Our meals were served with perfectly cooked vegetables and to die for dauphinois potatoes, (which incidentally I could have eaten as a meal on their own)! 

Pork Fillet wrapped in pancetta

During all this time the service had been impeccable and for me it added to the whole experience of making the meal so special.

Plates were whisked away and replaced without any ado and the time taken between courses was spot on.

But were two courses enough for us on this blowy, rainy Saturday lunchtime? Were they heck?! 

Looking at passersby bent over outside holding onto their coats, hats and brollies we decided to stay in this cosy haven for a little while longer to sample what was on offer on the dessert menu. 

Pavlova and cream with berries was one choice. We thought that the ratio between the crunchy, sweet, chewy, light and airy meringue in contrast to the creamy filling and sharpness of the berries was bang on. 

Even though my family loved the pavlova, if there is a creme brulee on the menu - it's mine!! 

I adore them and this one had fresh raspberries and juicy blueberries bursting with flavour as well as a crumbly, shortbread biscuit that melted in your mouth! 

Creme brulee

The amber coloured caramel topping cracked tantalisingly when tapped by the back of the spoon and made me want to dive into it asap, which is exactly what I did!  The vanilla creme was sweet, rich and wonderful. 

Below is proof that the dessert was a resounding success!

Reluctantly we had come to the end of the meal and it was time to leave our comfortable corner by the fire. 

We said our goodbyes and as we braced ourselves against the gusty wind outside, we promised ourselves that we would not leave it too long before we returned.