Pointing Dog
Only a stone's throw away from Manchester,
If you're a fan of comfort food, Pointing Dog is the perfect place for you. The interior is a maze of hidden corners and snugs with wood burning stoves and coal fires to keep you cosy throughout the evening.Reminiscent of a hunting lodge, the walls are studded with antlers and images of dogs are dotted around the restaurant and lounge area.
We started our evening with the Antipasto Platter to share (£13.75) accompanied with a chilled glass of the Pinot Grigio. The platter included prosciutto, hand torn cow's milk mozzarella, rosemary focaccia bread and dressed rocket leaves. Though all of the separate ingredients were delicious and excellent quality, the dish lacked that special something. I wish I had explored some of the more intriguing option on the menu like the Chilli Squid Taco or Dressed Flaked Crab, but you live and learn.
Moving on to the main event I opted for one of Pointing Dog's House Specialities; the Venison Bourguinon (£15.50) which is a new (and very welcome) addition to their Autumn menu. The hearty portion was accompanied by celeriac mash and warmed me to my core. Comfort food executed perfectly in my opinion.My companion plumped for the Fillet Steak (£23.25) which arrived perfectly rare as ordered along with crisp, golden hand cut chips served in an enamel cup.
To complete the evening dessert simply had to be sampled. I selected the Chocolate Cake in a Jar (£6.25, pictured below) which was a beautiful mess of all of my favourite puddings; hazelnut brownie, caramel and chocolate frosting, white chocolate ice cream and crushed hazelnuts. My other half opted for the three strongest cheeses (£7.95 for three) accompanied by grapes, water biscuits and red onion chutney.
Pointing Dog finds itself in limbo between great quality pub food and modern restaurant cuisine, occasionally ticking the boxes of both but more often than not, one or the other. Everything we had tasted great (not forgetting the homemade P Dog Crisps which are a definite must) and was presented beautifully but just didn't quite make that leap to perfection. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable about the ingredients, they offered extra details about the source and flavour to aid us in our choices and, as promised, our glasses were never empty or at least always have full.
Definitely one to visit if you're in the mood for some comfort food this Winter.
Pointing Dog has two locations, the original in Cheadle Hulme and the Pointing Dog and Duck in Bakewell. For further information and to check out their menu, visit their website
