Groobarbs – the utterly charming fork to field restaurant
| 2nd August 2023
If you’re looking for a great day out, fabulous food and beautiful scenery, then Groobarbs is an enchanting and not too pricey escape.
It’s a working wild vegetable farm based in Cheshire that has built its reputation through veg boxes and now its gorgeous field kitchen.
Organic and with an unashamed love of all thing’s vegetable, it’s run by farmer David and his lovely wife Rebecca, who have created the Groobarbs’ field kitchen restaurant.
It’s open Friday, Saturdays and Sundays with a five-course set lunch or dinner menu options from under £30 per person.
VIVA went to investigate the field to fork restaurant set in the heart of the farm (you can have a wonderful wonder around the fields of veg that’s just ripe for picking).
There’s plenty of parking and once you’re there it’s into the field kitchen which is a spacious barn with a rustic vibe where you join others on trestle tables.
It’s comfortable and pretty and you can have the privacy of your own group or join in the fun mixing with your table. The food is glorious, and we had the five-course set lunch menu, washed down with an English sparkling wine that hit the spot (they partner with local suppliers).
We started off with gorgeous nibbles including a wonderful gazpacho that set the standard for a starter of roasted carrots with sumac and a yogurt sauce. These were sweet and delicious, and surprisingly filling.
A baked beetroot with whipped feta was next and was a delightful explosion of taste with a melt in the mouth fennel pastry. Onto mains and our table had both the pork belly cooked with Massey cider that was divine for the more carnivorous and the veggie option of roasted courgettes with a crumb and cherry tomatoes, was a hit with everyone. A side of potato salad with wet garlic and a romesco sauce was a beautiful accompaniment to both mains.
Finally, a pudding that encapsulates summer was a wonderful and satisfying finale with mixed berries and yummy almond crumb topped with lavender and yogurt. Just delicious.
Every mouthful popped with flavour and brought out the freshness of each vegetable, served with aplomb providing a wonderful leisurely lunch to savour. You can’t just walk in as they cook only for diners who have booked for that day and the team harvest what’s ready in the fields, so the menu keeps changing and will be a surprise on the day you visit.
They cater for all dietary requirements, so it’s no worries! Just be sure to mention your preferences when making your booking, and there is always a meat option main. But in our view the fruit and veg grown just yards from the barn are the real stars.
It’s an absolute bargain too, with prices starting from £29.50 per person.
VIVA verdict: A wonderful day out with great food, hosts, and an absolute bargain.