Lobster and strawberries

We are so lucky that we live in close proximity to so many good eateries and when the postcard popped through the letter box advertising champagne, lobster and strawberries at the Stonemill, Rockfield, little encouragement was needed to rush over.
I fondly imagined that the sun would be shining and we would sit out on the newly refurbished patio taking in the rays of the setting sun and sipping champagne. Wrong! This is Wales after all and it is August so cowerin under a leaden sky and a frisky, chilling breeze we chose to sit inside on the comfy sofa's.

The champagne was soon served and some interesting little nibbles - chorizo and tomato tarts, mini smoked salmon roulade and a roasted vine tomato. Just right to get us in the mood for food. We toasted the return of the soldier and chatted with Michelle and Margaret before going to our table for the lobster. The hungry son woofed down fresh bread and dipping oil and balsamic as we waited for the lobster. Always important to have plenty of pre meal neibbles when hungry boys are involved. The rock lobster was served with new potaotes and salad and judging by the clean plates it hit the spot even if the great British Summer wasn't really living up to the champagne and strawberries idyll.

Strawberries and cream finished off the meal and a pleasant evening. I can remember when the restaurant used to be part of the range of farm yard buildings but it has a pleasant ambience. The stone cider trough and wheel in the middle of the room and the low beams hint at the agricultural past but the food is always sophisticated and locally sourced. ( Not the rock lobsters though - they'd caught the 'plane from Scotland I believe). On a nice day you can sit in the garden and live the rural idyll - a stones throw from the Hendre estate, home of Charles Rolls and only a couple of miles from Monmouth. So if you fancy some lobster get over to the Stonemill now. Booking advisable - especially if you want lobster!
It is advertised at £15.50 per person but by the time you add wine and coffee your bill will shoot up a little.

The Stonemill - Rockfield - Monmouth - NP25 5SW
Tel: 01600 716273 Fax: 01600 715257
bookings@thestonemill.co.uk