Located inside the Headland Hotel is the Headland Restaurant. It's a large restaurant with crisp white linen and wonderfully presented tables, as soon as we entered the tone for the evening ahead was set.
There are some stunning views out over the sea. The restaurant uses local produce and fresh catches, and the fresh tasting food reflected this. The staff are smartly dressed, and gave us a warm welcome. After showing us to our table we ordered a bottle of wine.
We decided on a bottle of Esk Valley, Merlot-Cabernet-Malbec 2011, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Which in reflection I can say is a beautfil wine, pairing with fish and meats perfectly. It had a full, dark red colouring, with a firm and ripe flavour. There is an interesting blend of fruits, and certainly a wine we would be happy to enjoy again.
"With the stunning views and superb food, you're in for a treat."
To start we ordered the Cornish Pigeon Breast, with New Potatoes, Artichoke Purée, Pancetta and a Hazelnut Dressing. A delicious locally procured game meat, I enjoyed every bite. My partner had the Saffron, with Goat's Cheese and Butternut Aarancini, Pine Nuts and aged Balsamic Dressing. A wonderfully eclectic blend of flavours, very enjoyable.
For our main dishes we ordered the Roast Cornish Sirloin, with Wild Mushroom Polenta, Winter Greens, Cep Oil and Parmesan Crackling. The sirloin was cooked to perfection, a very juicy and fresh cut. We also had the Grilled Plaice Fillets with Mashed Potato, Spinach, Brown Shrimps, Lemon and Caper Butter. The plaice was fresh and locally caught, very delicious. We were happy to send our plates back clean.
Their dessert menu had several tempting dishes, we chose the Warm Treacle and Pecan Tart, with Honey Ice Cream and Fig Compôte. Which, if you have never tried honey ice cream and fig together, you're missing out. Our other dish was a Lime Panna Cotta Lemon biscotti, every bit delicious as it sounds.
We enjoyed our evening dining at the Headland Restaurant and wouldn't hesitate to return. I recommend visiting if you are a guest at the hotel or not, you will not be disappointed. There is a very strong traditional feeling to the restaurant, and with the stunning views and superb food, you're in for a treat.