During these COVID times, it can be easy to get into the habit of rolling to the same pub or restaurant in a variation of your loungewear. So when I was invited to sample the bottomless brunch (£30pp) at the Ye Olde Bell Hotel, I was very excited to have an excuse to doll up and go somewhere a bit different...
When we arrived we were shown to an elegantly decorated table right next to one of their historic ornate windows, with gorgeous fresh flowers in the middle.
Soon enough the prosecco was flowing and our tums were rumbling. I was pleasantly surprised that the brunch was a two-course affair – generally, I struggle to pick between sweet or savoury, so to have both was a lovely treat. For mains, I went for eggs florentine, which came on a hot plate, as all good food should. The hollandaise was rich and smooth, not too thick and just the right amount that I mopped it up efficiently with my muffin, which was beautifully buttery. The poached eggs were dreamy too – one prod of my fork and the yolk oozed out in a golden pool.
Puds wise, I was tempted by the pancakes (my boyfriend had them and vouched for their deliciousness), but I went for banana fritters and yoghurt. They were plated like a flower, and my goodness did they taste as good as they looked. I didn’t know bananas could taste fluffy but they were, and paired with the tart raspberries and creamy yoghurt they were simply mouthwatering.
The portions were perfect too – we were full but not too stuffed to go for a walk afterwards. If you’re fancying a treat and want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Ye Olde Bell’s bottomless brunch makes for a delicious, satisfying start to the day.
Great North Road, Retford, DN22 8QS
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