Prawns, squid, overdone mussels and a flavourless ramen - it wasn't all Fyne in the Loch
But whenever I visit what is a lovely little place on the outskirts of Elton, I stick with the “when in Rome” philosophy and go for what they do best.
In the past that has worked out just fine. This time, however, it was something of a mixed bag.
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Hide AdWhenever I visit, there is something quite appealing, pulling up on the huge gravelled car park, confronted with the converted former dairy buildings.
I love the quaint counter, fashioned out of the side of a boat, and the rustic but stylish decor - lots of wood and images of boats and fish on the walls.
To be fair things got off to a good start with lots to catch the eye on the starters - we went a la carte although there is a great value set menu I have used and enjoyed previously.
Donna had three oysters (£6.25) - it is not that often you see them available so it was too good an opportunity to turn down.
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Hide AdThe beetroot and horseradish and tequila and lime went down very well, all fresh and tasty, but you just can’t beat one served as nature intended.
I was enticed by the very thought of a smoked haddock scotch egg (£6.25) and it duly delivered. The coating was golden and packed a crunch, with a nice flavour of its own. The filling was subtle rather than full-on smoked haddock, which I liked, and the true test - a runny yolk - was passed with flying colours. It came on a tasty celeraic remoulade - crisp and creamy.
For me it all kind of went downhill from there. The seafood ramen (£14.50) was a mouthwatering prospect, but failed to meet my expectations.
I expected much more flavour from the broth - hints of miso or soy at least - but it was a bit flat and overepowered by the fishstock, apart from the occasional and welcome presence of coriander.
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Hide AdThe prawns and squid were nicely cooked, if lacking a little in flavour, so too the udon noodles. But some of the mussels were simply overdone, dry and too chewy to digest.
I know it is traditional but I just don’t get the fried egg, either.
No complaints though across the table where Donna enjoyed her rare, chargrilled yellow fin tuna steak (£16.75) served with a firey chilli oil, yummy sesame stirfried cauliflower and Japanese brown rice, and the little ones devoured fish, chips and peas followed by ice cream (£7 two courses).
For me, this particular upmarket chain proved yet again a lovely place to eat on a sunny spring day, where the service was all you would expect. The food - well you win some, you lose some.
Brad Barnes dines at Loch Fyne, Elton, near Peterborough. Tel 01832 280298 wwwlochfyne seafoodandgrill.co.uk/ locations/elton