If you fancy a trip out of the city to eat then Kibworth is only 15-20 minutes out of town and is home to 2 of the nicest restaurants in the county, both owned by the same team; The Lighthouse and Boboli.
The Lighthouse is unique in that it specializes in seafood and we went along to find out what it was all about.
The menu starts with a selection of “nibbles” which you’re encouraged to share to start your meal, although they all serve as starters in their own right too. We opted for the smoked salmon mousse with melba toast and the glass of prawns in Marie Rose sauce (aka prawn cocktail), both priced at £3.50.
The smoked salmon mousse was creamy and delicious, it left me wanting more and more. Both portions were fine as a starter although we did see one couple ordering 5 to share (tip, if you order 4 you get the 5th one free!).
On to mains we opted for the mussels with onion, garlic, cream and white wine served with crusty bread (£13.50) and the monkfish with pea and green bean veloute (£18). Whilst The Lighthouse specializes in seafood there are still some excellent meat options on the menu including fillet of beef and rump of lamb, so don’t be put off if seafood isn’t your taste. In fact this weekend they’ve even got pulled pork buns on their nibbles menu!
The mains were faultless as the images strive to show. The monkfish was meaty and cooked perfectly, with the mussels being a great portion size. Importantly as well, the waitresses were quick to keep replacing the bowl for the empty mussel shells! I’d definitely suggest ordering some sides along with the mains and we opted for the spinach and the cauliflower cheese. The cauliflower cheese especially was impressive with the portion being ample for 2 to share.
After some umming and ahhing we decided we couldn’t possibly leave without trying dessert so we browsed the menu and decided to opt for lemon meringue semifreddo (£5.75 and if you’re wondering, it means part frozen) and strawberry mille feuille with Chantilly cream (£5.75). As much as we’re both people who love their food, the best thing about the desserts was how light they were. Perfect to finish off the meal without leaving you regretting that final mouthful! Both were refreshing and beautifully presented.
We were left massively impressed by the restaurant, food and service. The waitresses were all very attentive and looked excellent in their subtly matching blue jeans. The restaurant slowly filled up through the evening and was full by the time we left so be sure to book in advance for your visit.
Kibworth is a great setting for the restaurant, such a lovely village and within easy distance of town. We’ll definitely be visiting again. 9/10.
For more info or to read the menu in full please visit their website HERE.
WIN
The lovely folk down at The Lighthouse have even gone and given us a £40 voucher to give away to one of you lucky readers so you can go and try it out yourself! To be in with a chance of winning all you need to do is answer the following question:
Which village is The Lighthouse in?
Please email your answers to [email protected] by 5pm on Friday 30 May.
Good luck!