On Saturday, Staffordshire Living were invited along to sample the set lunch taster menu, and what a delight it was. Mentioned in this year’s Michelin guide, we knew we were in safe hands.
In 2016, Sophie and her partner Jake , who were both previously involved in the hospitality business, decided to take the leap, and become restaurateurs. Very brave at the tender ages of 20 and 27. These young entrepreneurs quickly set about transforming the space in Stone into a bright quirky space. When I asked Sophie (front of house) about the reason behind the choice of name, she explained that as they were based in a rural agricultural area with a reputation for growing delicious produce, it seemed that Little Seeds fit the bill perfectly.
Like all restaurants covid 19 hit them like everyone else in the business but they used the time wisely and produced take-away food for dinner parties when this was possible. They also spend a considerable amount of time to revamp the outdoor space that gave them the opportunity to provide a dining space when regulations allowed and a fabulous herb garden. Adding not only a beautiful oasis of green dining space with amazing aromas, but also a chance for Alex to incorporate the herbs he grew on site into their amazing flavoursome dishes.
Jake is constantly evolving the menus and the lunch menu that we sampled was a result of lots of experimentation, research and adaption of many recipes, which I understand is his passion. This shines through in the amazing food and the attention to detail as well. The service was also impeccable.
We were shown to the garden for a drink and a selection of nibbles including Staffordshire cheese bon bons with bacon jam and seed crackers with seasonal toppings. Along with the delightful glass of sauvignon blanc I was drinking, the tranquil ambience of the courtyard garden meant that we could have been anywhere in the Mediterranean Europe, absolute bliss! The nibbles were delicious, and they had certainly given me an appetite for the rest of the set menu.
Following this we were led into the restaurant, crisp linen napkins and rustic dining furniture added to the feel that we were in a chic European bistro.
As I wasn’t driving, I opted for the wine paring to go along with the set menu (my husband was driving – what a love!)
The next course was malt bread with cultured butter. This was fabulous, it made me think we should up our bread game at home.
Onto the first course, which was presented by the waiter alongside the wine pairing of Vila Wolf dry Riesling, from Germany. The first course of Crispy Duck egg, wild garlic, bacon and duck fat croutons. This was a perfect combination, the croutons were light and complimented the crispy duck egg to perfection, to coin a phrase – a taste sensation! It may be worth pointing out, that many years ago, before I had even developed any type of palate for wine, I lived in Germany where Riesling was served all the time. It reminded me what a gorgeous choice Riesling is and what a great pairing this made. I have now vowed to reinvestigate the world of German wine and buy some to trial.
The main event was then presented with a Gusbourne English still rose. paired with the corn-fed chicken breast, with purple broccoli spring onion velouté. The chicken breast was flavoursome and extremely moist, and the broccoli was cooked to perfection. It is a great choice to include on a lunch menu as it was a light enough dish to serve midday alongside the accompaniments and the rose wine paring was a close to perfection as you can get, Note that there is a vegetarian option for both parts of the meal)
The light and tasty theme was carried on in the choice of the lemon verbena and yoghurt parfait paired with Heaven on Earth dessert wine form South Africa. Anything that is lemon flavoured has got my vote straight away and is a great choice for a summer luncheon, and I can honestly say that this was another triumph. Unfortunately, my husband has the same love for this type of desert, chose to eat all of his (gutted!) So, no second helpings for me. It was a combination of sweet and sharpish at the same time which was amazing and although I am not a fan of dessert wine normally as I find it very sweet, the Heaven on earth was just sweet enough to cut through the tartness of the lemon and was well balanced and the perfect wine to drink with this dish.
Sadly, the meal had to finish at some point but while coffee was being served, we were also offered some final treats (yummy). I can honestly say that meal was perfect. Beautifully put together, immaculately served. At just £35 PP for the set £55 PP with the wine pairing also great value for money. There is of course the Al a carte menu which is also great value for money, The Lunch set menu is designed to give customers a glimpse at the type of menu available on the full tasting menu served in the evening.
We thoroughly recommend a visit we are sure you will not be disappointed. Be sure to book as it does get very busy. Go to the website or call 01785 818925
16-18 Radford St
Stone
ST15 8DA
