Latest Restaurant Review (The Seven Stars at Brocton)
We leave Shropshire this month and take a short trip over the border into Staffordshire to the renowned Seven Stars situated in the small village of Brocton. The journey there was very straight forward and took around 25 minutes heading along the A5 towards Cannock and then up through Penkridge village to Brocton.
The original part of the building is 400 years old, so has all the usual features you would expect, high vaulted beamed ceilings and cosy alcoves. The use of different colours and textures gives the interior a very cool but relaxed feel and ultimately a very pleasant dining experience. There are various dining areas from the comfortable bar, a larger main dining area with a roaring wood burner and even a private dining room with clever rotating copper panels that can be revolved to open the room up or closed to create a more intimate dining experience for larger parties.
We were shown through to the main dining area and were seated near a wood burner which was very welcome on such a cold evening. We ordered a glass of wine from the considerable wine list while we studied the menu.
For starters Nik ordered the Chilli Crumbed Chicken Strips (£6.45) and I ordered the Button Mushrooms Stuffed with Goats’ Cheese and Chilli Butter (£6.45).
Nik’s chicken strips had a lovely crunchy coating with just a slight hint of chilli adding a little heat, they were served with a fresh rocket salad and a tasty mayonnaise dip sprinkled with chilli – Nik said it was a great start to his meal.
My large plump mushrooms were loaded with a combination of tangy goats’ cheese and a rich chilli butter, these were served on a heavy metal skillet, the amalgamation of the textures and flavours was really good. The dish was served with some large croutons which were perfect for mopping up the delicious juice in the bottom of the skillet.
After a short rest the main courses were served, the presentation was remarkable, both main courses looked superb. I had chosen the Sesame Breaded Chicken Breast (£14.95) and Nik opted for a dish he hadn’t had before which was the Pork Tomahawk Steak (£16.95).
Not one to usually order pork, Nik instantly knew he had made the right choice when the large pork steak arrived at the table. The large steak was perfectly cooked, juicy, succulent and there was certainly plenty of it. It was served with broccoli, buttery crushed new potatoes and edamame beans with silver skin onions and a lemon and Sage sauce. The edamame beans, and potatoes were excellent with the pork and the sage and lemon sauce finished the dish off perfectly. Nik loved this dish and left a very clean plate, definitely one to try for meat lovers.
My sesame breaded chicken was quite a substantial dish, a very generous portion of sliced breast meat coated in light crisp breadcrumbs with black sesame seeds. The dish was served with a delicious pork fried rice, pak choi, cucumber salad and a luscious honey and soy glaze, a fabulous dish!
After such great main courses, the desserts had a big act to follow and they didn’t disappoint. I chose the Eton Mess Meringue Roulade (£6.95) and Nik decided on the Mango Panna Cotta (£5.95).
Nik’s panna cotta was served with a blackberry salsa and amaretti biscuits. The Panna cotta was sooooo silky smooth, along with the sweetness of the mango sauce and sharpness of the blackberry salsa this dessert had everything. The dish was finished with delicate amaretti biscuit crumble and mint leaf.
My Eton Mess Meringue Roulade was served with Chantilly cream, fresh berries and raspberry sorbet. The meringue was just how I like it, melt in the mouth, slightly chewy in the middle and a little softness at the bottom. The fluffy Meringue was topped with luxurious Chantilly cream and fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and a sprig of fresh mint. The raspberry sorbet added a nice sharpness to counter the sweetness of the meringue.
A lunch menu is served between 12-5pm with a range of sandwiches, salads and light bite options. On Sundays you have a choice of ordering from the main menu or a range of Sunday lunches are also available. It is advisable to book in advance and tables can be booked over the phone or on their website. You can also view the current menus online.
The Seven Stars is owned by Parogon Pub Group who are a privately owned independent company which currently have 6 restaurants, mainly around the Staffordshire area. The Swan with Two Necks in Blackbrook has been closed for a refurbishment but will be opening its doors again mid-February. The very latest addition to the group is the Red House in Lilleshall, which is currently closed and awaiting a full refurbishment, they are expecting to open the doors around July/August time this year.
The Seven Stars has lots to offer, with a great unique interior, delicious food and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere – but don’t just take our word for it, go and see for yourself.
Reviewed by Fleur & Nik Abel
