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Food review: The Firecrest
Hannah Williams eats at traditional country pub The Firecrest, on London Road, between Great Missenden and Wendover. HP22 6QG. Tel: 01296 628 041.
On a cold winter's day there's nothing better than being snug next to an real log fire. The Firecrest, which originally was a coaching inn dating back to the 19th century offers this, which along with its promise of all day food, was the choice which tempted me for a late lunch.
The pub which is part of the Vintage Inn chain, has a lunch menu containing an extensive selection of very good value pub grub with a twist and is available until 5pm. As far as drinks are concerned, there is a separate wine list with a variety of options, as well as a choice of cask ales. Having once eaten at the pub in the evening and being impressed, I was hoping my lunch would live up to expectations.
I was tempted by one of the menu's 'Winter Warmer' meals, the Pork and Aspall Cider Stew sounded lovely but I felt like having a more exotic choice so I opted for the Spanish chicken - a breast stuffed with goats cheese and chorizo, on a bed of roasted red peppers with basil pesto and crisp baby potatoes. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before and seemed to be a mixture of Spanish and Italian influences. The chicken was very tender and the slightly spicy chorzio complimented it well, as did the tasty roast peppers. While it was delicious, I would have perhaps liked a bit more goats cheese melted and maybe a few different roasted veggies to accompany it.
My partner Callum chose the handmade fishcakes, made of salmon and broccoli with herb mayonnaise, seasoned chips and a dressed salad. When he cut one of the fat fishcakes open from the appearance of the broccoli, you could tell it was made of quality ingredients. Having a little nibble myself I was surprised by how tasty they were - full of flavour unlike the usual bland ones you would get from a fish and chip shop.
We both completely cleared our plates of the main courses, which were speedily delivered, and could not resist a dessert and our reluctance to leave the cosy atmosphere.
I went for the profiteroles and was surprised when two halves of a large one came out instead of the usual little ones. Covered in a chocolate sauce and the most delicious cream I've ever tasted, the fluffy pastry pleased me no end. As for the banoffee cheesecake sampled by Callum, I didn't get a look in there due to its rapid disappearance from his plate, but his smile said it all.
What we had
Spanish chicken £10.95
Handmade fishcakes £6.95
Banoffee cheesecake £4.25
Profiteroles £3.95
Large glass of Chenin Blanc £3.90
Small glass of Shiraz Rose £2.70
Total £32.70.
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Statement prepared by Ash for The Village Café & Bakery – 73 High Street – Gt. Missenden. HP16 0AL
Nothing can be more tragic and daunting to loose a successful business at the same time wild guesses and rumours take strong hold on people’s perception of reality.
As most of your readers would now know one of the most successful business of Great Missenden “The Village Café & Bakery” have closed it doors for the final time. As an owner I must acknowledge and express my gratitude to all my loyal staffs and customers who had made the business great at the same time I owe an explanation for a sudden closure of this thriving business.
Let me endeavor to explain in the simplest manner. The business had and has always remained solvent contrary what rumours have been. The fact of the matter is we have had long standing issues with the developer who had purchased 69 & 71 High Street which did not have access to the two new separate resident they have developed. The developer seems to have duped in convincing the landowner to grant foot access and easement right for the utilities. However, in modern times, property without vehicle access and parking, do not attract too many prospective buyers and valuation remains lower. Hence, the developer would have take following action.
It is known fact, developer has been made aware of the lease renewal date (31st January 2010) – so he approached the landowner with fabricated convincing story, for the landlord to sell bakery part of the property and allow him to formally make planning applications to develop into flats thus establishing all the right of way. (Our agents, negotiating the lease made us aware of these facts). Bakery part of the property has been integral part of the business for many years, without that it would not be viable business.
Developer duped the landowner into believing the business had ceased and not re-opening (even though Notice on the front door read “Christmas Holiday Closure”) as landowner had been conducting his bakery business from this site and knew the important of bake-house to business. Our agents denied the rumours when the landowners ring for confirmation. Rightly or wrongly since the landowners had another interested party, our lease and rental negotiations became more difficult and unattainable.
Now, what is this new sign on the door “Opening Soon Drew” – well Mr. Drew holds the Head Lease from the landowners, that is due to expire on the 31st January 2010. The Village Café & Bakery are the sub-tenants to Mr. Drew with the permission of the landowner. By legal definition, Mr. Drew has legal right to renew the whole lease as previously assigned, subject to he occupies portion of the property. On technicality, landowners can assign us a new lease - in default of head lease at their discretion, which has not being forth coming and has proved uneconomical.
One can say “Second time round (first time with Hockey’s) – cunning, greedy developer conned innocent, naïve landowner by offering pennies to make whopping million.” All at an expense of, local people, their amenity and small business people.