Lamb & Flag
The Lamb & Flag, a quaint public house in the village of Wick, has been re-energised on the food front with chef John Cook (he of Arbennig restaurant fame) stripping down the menu for the summer months. Sometimes, when you enter a new watering hole outside of your regular patch, you get that unnerving death stare from the bar. Fortunately, we’re greeted by warm smiles from both punters and staff. My friend and I nestle in with the locals and order two red wines (there are plenty of ales and lagers available for proper drinkers). My friend sips on a sweet, Chilean Merlot whereas I sup on a very agreeable Shiraz from South Africa.
My friend tells me she wants to forgo a starter but I’m not so foolish and plump for the tempura chicken strips coated in a honey mustard dressing. The battered chicken is tender and crispy with the dressing adding a pleasant sweet kick. Inevitably, my friend wants to try one and I begrudgingly let her in on the starter action. For mains, my friend chows down on a mighty aged beef burger that also includes a brisket ragout (essentially, slow-cooked pulled beef). Topped with cheddar, bacon and balsamic mayo, it was a masterpiece with crispy, triple-cooked chips finishing off the plate.
I also go big with a hearty sirloin steak and all the trimmings. Served medium rare, tender and full of flavour. Perfect. For dessert, my friend orders crushed strawberry pavlova and raspberry sorbet whilst I go for Josie’s chocolate & hazelnut cheesecake with salted caramel ice cream. The pavlova is crisp and light and neatly accompanied by the sweetness of the sorbet. The chocolate & hazelnut cheesecake is so tasty you can understand why Josie wanted to put her name to it. Good honest pub grub in welcoming surroundings.
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Lamb & Flag
Church Street
Wick
CF71 7QE
01656 890278
