Spotlight on : Docket No.33
Kevin Evans visited Docket No.33 in Whitchurch to sample the tasting menu that uses the best local produce from Shropshire, Cheshire & the Welsh Borders
Stuart and Frances Collins opened the doors of Docket No.33 in 2017 in the market town of Whitchurch in Shropshire and close to the Cheshire border. Both having amazing and varied careers in some of the world’s most famous restaurants inclusive of Gordon Ramsey’s 3 Michelin star Hospital Road, Maze and working with Michael Caines.
Stuart and Frances worked incredibly hard and for the first two years of opening with their concept of local sourced produced and seasonality and had consecutive mentions in the Michelin guide. The menu initially focused on an à la carte menu to tempt customers through the doors and then they eventually phased in the 7-course tasting menu that is now the format they follow. In 2020 they were awarded their first Michelin plate, a fantastic accolade to achieve in 3 years and really landing them on the map as a destination for fine dining. Recently Stuart took part on the latest series of The Great British Menu on BBC2 which has given them some great advertising, especially off the back of lockdown.
During lockdown the team obviously had to find ways of diversifying to ensure the business was sustained. Stuart and Frances developed take at home boxes for that restaurant experience at home, which have been a great success – both Stuart and Frances were blown away by the support of the local community and they are continuing the boxes as a regular feature. Each box is priced at £48 and has three courses and serves 2 people, they change every week and go online every Tuesday for pick up Friday – be quick though they normally sell out in 10 minutes!
On arriving we were welcomed by Frances who is the front of house face of Docket No.33. Frances and the team have done a great job in keeping the experience relaxed, warm and friendly – no starched white tablecloths in sight which for me is a great thing. Customers can relax and enjoy the experience without feeling anxious about where they are and focus on the evening and the food.
Each course was beautifully presented and explained by the team, we opted for the wine flight which was perfectly matched and so reasonably priced at £35 per person - we could not resist.
The real standouts of the tasting menu were the Chalk Stream Trout with white asparagus, Exmoor caviar and lovage – this was so delicate and flavourful and a real talking point. We also loved the dessert – who doesn’t? It was a raspberry cremaux which was sprayed with vanilla and had a yuzu gel and wood sorrel on a sable biscuit. The whole experience was so amazing I have booked to go with friends in November.
Docket No.33, 33 High St, Whitchurch SY13 1AZ
t: 01948 665553
e: info@docketrestaurant.com
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