Back in the Summer Adam and I headed along to The Engine Inn, Walbottle, for Sunday lunch and it’s easily the best roast I’ve had! I’ve been desperate to head back so was over the moon to be invited along with the family last week for a tasting night of their brand new winter menu which has just launched.

Food is a major draw at the pub and it’s easy to see why! Meals are cooked fresh and local produce is used wherever possible. The new menu boasts a whole host of dishes from traditional comfort food to more modern dishes, meaning there’s something for everyone.

We arrived at the pub for 7pm and were taken to our table. Staff at The Engine Inn are so lovely and it was also great to meet pub owner Peter who told us all about the new menu and what to expect from the night – tapas style portions of a mix of starters, mains and desserts.

First up were the three starters; Chicken Lollipops, Posh Beans on Toast and Northumbrian Belly Pork.

All three dishes were absolutely divine and a perfect way to start the evening. I’m not a fan of beans at all, yet I’d probably say the Posh Beans on Toast was one of my favourites. There was chorizo added in with the beans and I think that’s made it extra delicious!

Our evening was soundtracked by singer Zach Hammond which was a lovely touch as well and made for a fab atmosphere.

Next up were the main courses and let me tell you, we were completely and utterly SPOILT with a taste of seven dishes from the menu!

First up was one of the more contemporary dishes from the menu – Poached Monkfish Loin, wrapped with parma ham and served with a samphire and dill vinaigrette. This was a definite favourite from us all and was cooked to perfection.

We were also lucky enough to try some of the proper comfort food dishes including Mince and Dumplings and Toad in the Hole which are two of my personal fave dishes in general, and they were both delicious. The gravy especially was full of flavour and the Yorkshire pudding is one of the best I’ve had!

Other delicious mains that we were able to taste test were Warm Asian Noodle Salad, Sirloin Steak, Pan Roasted Duck Breast and the amazing All Day Breakfast Pizza (definitely one to order when you’re having a few pints or if you’re hungover)!

By this point as you can imagine we’re starting to get VERY full…but there’s always room for dessert right?! We were able to try three desserts from the menu including Fruit Crumble, this one was apple and cinnamon, Freshly Cooked Donuts with strawberry curd and everyones favourite dish of the night – White Chocolate and Orange Bread and Butter Pudding!! When I say it was one of the best desserts I’ve EVER HAD, I ain’t lying. I’ll be thinking about it and talking about it until I go back and eat it again…and then I’ll talk about it some more!

We had an absolutely wonderful evening and so thankful to The Engine Inn for inviting us along to try these amazing dishes. The food here isn’t just your average pub food, it’s top notch and you definitely need to add it to your list of places to visit for scran in the North East! I can’t wait to revisit.

*Full disclosure: all food was kindly gifted in exchange for this post, drinks were purchased by ourselves.