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 The drive through the Monmouthshire countryside to reach 1861is as much part of the experience as the dining itself. This stunning countryside hides a wealth of new “foodie” destinations. Located just outside Abergavenny in the tiny village of Cross Ash 1861 is named after the year the building was completed.
Here, Simon and Kate King host a fine dining experience that shows off Simon’s roots in French cuisine. He has worked in some of the country’s best kitchens, including the much acclaimed Waterside Inn at Bray and also for Martin Blunos at Lettonnie. All of this showed in the meal that was to follow.
We were greeted on our arrival by Kate, who took us through into a very welcoming lounge for a pre-dinner drink and a chance to look at the menus. The wine list is very reasonably priced with a decent half bottle selection. We chose a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to go with chef’s recommendation of the Prestige menu. This is seven surprise courses chosen by Simon created on a daily basis with the best local ingredients available to him.
Upon taking our seats in the very roomy restaurant area we were treated to our first course. Cheese beignets with a tomato relish, with just the right amount of crunch and filled with a delicious goat’s cheese. The tomato relish was good too, obviously homemade. Our next dish arrived soon after, a chicken terrine with pear chutney and wild leaves. This was pronounced a hit, the pear chutney was incredible. We were given plenty of time between each course which is always good. Some restaurants seem to hurry the experience as if they can’t wait to get rid of you. Not so at 1861. A lamb chateaubriand followed with peas and broad beans straight from the garden they were that fresh. The lamb was local too and cooked to perfection.
Hake poached in red wine came next, very moist and meaty with baby broccoli. After a decent break we had a cheese board for two. This came with fresh baked biscuits, apples and tomatoes which we devoured with gusto.
A freshly made apple and mint soup refreshed our palettes for what was (in my opinion) the crowning glory. A banana soufflé with chocolate sauce and toffee ice cream. Truly exquisite, a soufflé is so hard to do well but this was sublime. With just the right hint of banana and rich dark chocolate sauce it didn’t get much better than this.
We met up with Simon afterwards and what made the meal all the more astonishing is the fact that he runs the kitchen single-handed. Not once did we have any idea that there was only one man bringing out this array of dishes. This includes the a la carte as well as the prestige menu. They also produce their own range of chutneys and jams that are available for purchase – how he finds the time one never knows! But, why not take home a jar?
Simon and Kate's passion for the food they create is evident by the use of local produce and fresh vegetables and herbs from their very own garden. So much so that they are even cultivating their own snails at present!
1861 is a must visit in my view. Set in beautiful countryside with a contemporary interior and many original features what more could you ask for? A warm welcome is guaranteed by Kate who runs front of house so well and coupled with Simon’s undoubted talent 1861 is just waiting to be discovered by you.
Restaurant 1861 are Friends of Couples Without Kids so mention '7 delicious courses at 1861' on booking and you will be entitled to the gourmet 'Prestige' tasting menu of 7 courses for the price of the set 3 course dinner menu - a saving of £12.00 per person! (Please ensure you quote the above when booking).
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Restaurant 1861