Taste of the West Gold Award

We’ve struck gold! …. Nearly seven months after taking over the Jack, we added to our recent Gold Award from Food Drink Devon with a Gold Dining Award today from Taste of the West.

We’re all thrilled to bits. Here’s the judge’s feedback in full:


COMMITMENT TO LOCAL SOURCING AND COMMUNICATION TO CUSTOMERS ABOUT LOCAL SOURCING

The proprietors of the Jack in the Green pub and restaurant brag of their ‘crystal clear philosophy to serve the best Devon produce’ and there can be little doubt that they have made a tremendous fist of achieving this with the sumptuous dishes that we were presented with.

Local produce adorns their menu, with blueberries from Aylesbeare (probably close enough to launch a blueberry to), lamb from Broadclyst (close enough to hear the ‘baa’ of the sheep) and Ruby red beef all the way from Darts farm. These were just a few of the examples of how they have endeavoured to bring the best of not just Devon, but East Devon, to the plate. There were many others from within a similar radius, reassuring the diner that the best of the food hadn’t travelled far to reach the plate.

It’s always possible to do more to sell your wares and promote the provenance of your produce, however, there has to be a balance such that the diner doesn’t feel overwhelmed with information and is allowed to feast upon the delights with which they are presented, without distraction. The Jack in the Green website has plenty of information promoting local sourcing and the menu boasts of some, but not all, of the produce are sourced.

Occasionally menus can offer a map with producers highlighted, although there’s a danger that this can make a fine-dining menu fussy and detract from the splendour of the dishes. Where information wasn’t readily available, the staff were readily available to fill the gaps, being helpful and friendly, without being over-bearing.

QUALITY OF THE MEAL

The menu presented was simply exquisite, a fantastic array of dishes covering a wide variety of meat, fish and vegetarian options, with a separate specials’ menu offering even more to choose from. Fresh and warm, homemade flavoured breads got the taste buds switched on, before starters of a saffron chicken and pancetta terrine, accompanied by tomato jam and a black olive straw and crispy king prawns that were furnished with a garlic, lemon and caper mayonnaise. The main courses looked almost too good to eat.

The presentation of the wild venison loin served with a Hasselback potato, cabbage and celeriac and the monkfish tail with chorizo and a curry fish sauce was incredible but matched only by the flavour. Each was cooked to perfection with the perfect seasoning, creating dishes that were aesthetically pleasing and incredibly tasty. Portion sizes were just right, leaving the diner wanting more whilst being pleasantly satisfied and having enough room to contemplate an exciting array of deserts.

All the food that we ate was outstanding. The choice was terrific, the presentation couldn’t be faulted, and it all tasted superb.

QUALITY OF SERVICE

The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming throughout our time in the restaurant. We were greeted

by name, and swiftly directed to our table. From then on, they were there when we needed them, helpful,

chatty and willing and able to provide information about produce or dishes, as well as giving guidance about

selection when asked.

The quality of the staff complemented the quality of the cuisine, helping to make a very special evening.

ATMOSPHERE, AMBIENCE AND VALUE FOR MONEY

The Jack in the Green describes itself as being comfortable and informal, but oozing panache, which seems

like a fair summary. Presenting as a delightful old English coaching Inn, the Jack presents itself as a warm

and welcoming traditional country pub, with low ceilings, old beams and a lovely feel to it.

The bar and restaurant were clean and well presented, and the staff smartly turned out, yet casually dressed,

complementing the general vibe. Toilets were clean and accessible, and both the bar and restaurant were

well lit and enticing. The restaurant has a large car park to the rear, particularly important when trying to

stumble back to the car with full bellies.

It’s always a challenge to select the right background tunes to cater for all tastes, to complement the

atmosphere and I’m not sure it was actually needed here, the ambience would have been just as wonderful

even without music. My choice would be to go without.

SUMMARISING COMMENTS

“The Jack in the Green is one of those rare treats with a burgeoning reputation for excellence, that it not

only meets, but does a great job of surpassing. Locally sourced meals that both look and taste fantastic are

served up in a traditional country pub with a modern twist. This is one not to be missed.”