A popular pub and restaurant that’s always busy despite being on the outskirts of Grimsby has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment throughout – so I was keen to get down there and take a look for myself.
Part of the Farmhouse Inns franchise, Beechwood Farm on the Europarc has been a top dining spot for people in the area for many years.
The eatery re-opened to the public in November last year after having a six-figure refurbishment, with a makeover of the inside combining modern and chic yet cosy décor and updated furnishings, as well as a refreshed children’s play area and a new self-serve drinks machine.
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Having never visited the restaurant myself, I was curious to see its new look and try the food – so my partner and I made our way to the Europarc earlier this week. My first thoughts were just how great the interior looks and how warm and inviting the atmosphere is.
After being seated by a member of staff and having a browse of the menu, my partner opted for a good old-fashioned carvery, and I decided to order an 8oz sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce.
(Image: Grimsby Live)
This wasn’t available, however, so I ended up having the 9oz rib eye instead. Described on the menu as ’28-day-aged seasoned beef steaks cooked to your liking with chips, grilled tomato, button mushrooms, garden peas and crispy onion rings’, I couldn’t wait to try it.
Being a Monday evening, the restaurant wasn’t overly busy, so my food was served pretty quickly. The steak itself was tasty, albeit a little on the fatty side, and a bit too rare for my liking, but I still enjoyed it. To be totally honest, I wasn’t a big fan of the mushrooms – they looked and tasted like they’d come from a tin, and I would’ve preferred fresh ones. The dish came with plenty of peppercorn sauce, which was delicious.
(Image: Grimsby Live)
My partner enjoyed his carvery, which was made up of turkey, gammon, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, red cabbage, cauliflower, mashed potato and roasties, and a generous helping of gravy. The only downside was that the roast potatoes were quite burnt.
For pudding, we shared a piece of the Caramelised Biscuit Cheesecake – served alongside vegan ice cream – which I’d definitely order again. I’ve found that cheesecake can often taste a bit on the rich side, but this one was perfectly light and moreish. I did order a coffee and was assured twice that it would arrive once they’d sorted the machine out, but it never came. (To be honest, I forgot all about it until we were in the car on the way home).
(Image: Grimsby Live)
My verdict:
There’s no doubt that so much work has been done to Beechwood Farm during its refurbishment, and it really does look lovely inside. The atmosphere is warm, cosy and inviting, staff were friendly, and there’s plenty of choice on the menu. If you’re a big fan of classic pub comfort food, this is the place for you.
But in my experience, considering the steak cost near to £20, I just would’ve expected more. If it was a steak dish in Wetherspoons that cost between a fiver and a tenner, I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid – but I’d just expect more for something of that cost.
But nothing is perfect, and I will be back at Beechwood Farm to give it another chance.
