Among all the eateries in the area that I’ve always been desperate to try, The Landmark Café in Ashby cum Fenby was at the very top of my list.
Opened in 2022 on the Willow Lakes site, the café and restaurant is renowned for its impressive 73ft viewing platform with the idyllic backdrop of the Lincolnshire countryside. Not to mention its modern, stylish and classy décor throughout, and of course, a selection of menus that leave you spoilt for choice.
So on a weekday lunchtime when I had a couple of hours to kill, I buckled my little one into the car and made the 15-minute scenic journey from Grimsby, through Waltham and into Ashby cum Fenby.
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My first impression after walking in was just how busy the café was – although I can’t say I was surprised. I asked for a table for two and was told by a friendly member of staff that there was pretty much nothing available because I hadn’t made a booking – unless I was OK sitting on a table next to the bar, which wasn’t a problem at all for me.
Browsing the menu, I took a while to choose, because everything just sounded so delicious. In the end I went for The Landmark Steak Sandwich (£12.50), which was described on the menu as sliced rump steak with sticky-sweet harissa onion jam, smoky mayo and rocket served in a toasted ciabatta, served with skinny fries and homemade coleslaw.
My little girl chose the Lincolnshire Sausages (£8), which was served with skinny fries and the choice of garden peas, mushy peas or beans.
Going up to the till to order, I did like that the staff member asked instantly if we had any allergies – my daughter has quite a severe allergy to egg, so it’s always reassuring to know that a café or restaurant takes care when it comes to potential allergens. All the menus were really informative about allergens and ingredients, too.
Our food was served within ten to 15 minutes, which wasn’t long to wait at all considering how busy the café was. Appearance-wise, everything looked amazing – but then again, I couldn’t help but noticing that even the lunch options as basic as jacket potatoes being served at other tables were presented beautifully.
I asked for my steak medium, and it was cooked to perfection, seasoned with black pepper. Combined with the tangy and sweet onion jam, the smoky mayo with a subtle kick, the peppery rocket leaves and the light ciabatta bun, it was honestly one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten. All the flavours worked so well together, and it was just absolutely delicious.
The fries were the perfect side dish, too. I often struggle to finish a whole portion of chips that are more on the chunky side as I just find them so heavy on my stomach, so it was nice to be able to actually finish a portion!
No complaints at all about my daughter’s dish, either – she seemed to enjoy it, and was served three sausages instead of the two stated on the menu – so a win-win all round.
My verdict:
This is the best place I’ve eaten lunch at for a long time – The Landmark Café and Restaurant really did not disappoint. The place itself was absolutely stunning, from the stylish furnishings and décor to the cleanliness and tidiness. It was just a really pleasant place with a buzzing atmosphere, and it goes without saying that the views are incredible.
The food was delicious, too – I honestly could not fault any of it. The price isn’t necessarily cheap as chips, but it’s not expensive, either. I think for the atmosphere, views and experience as a whole, it’s worth paying that little bit extra, anyway. I would recommend booking a table in advance before just jumping in your car and driving there (like me), because it really does fill up.
Us North East Lincolnshire folk are so lucky to have somewhere as lovely as this on our doorstep. I’ll definitely be back to try some of the other dishes on the menu, and to enjoy the views on a less rainy day!