We have been having wonderful meals here for years at Judges where we stay near Middlesborough visiting family and friends, but last night was simply lackluster. The service was excellent as always and so were the wines. We started with a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2020 white from Pontemagno and then moved to a Rupe Secca Nero d'Avola red from Sicily.
We all started with the Pan seared Scallops with Parma Ham Croute, white wine sauce and micro herbs which was nice and simple. I wanted to keep things light and chose a second starter of Smoked Duck with beetroot puree, herb croute, orange and endive. The duck was quite dry and needed more beetroot puree to save that and the endive was switched out for frisee, which I am none to fond of. Will did worse with the Braised Featherblade, a braised cut of meat (not sure what, but it tasted "used") that was so overcooked it, too, was quite dry and needed more of the beef jus. Dauphinoise potatoes, seasonal vegetables and wild mushroom fricasee were there but in miniature. The Crispy Pork Belly was the only one that passed muster with creamed potatoes, broccoli, celeriac, apple puree and cider jus.
The dessert of Coconut and Lime Panna Cotta with coconut dacquoise was very refreshing, but the plating was nowhere near what we have seen over the many years of dining here. The small plate of mignardises that came with the coffee(at a cost, but they used to be complimentary) were also lackluster.
The cheese tray was delicious with Yorkshire Blue, Maldon Ruddy cheddar and Durham Camembert, but the portions were quite miniscule.
Praying this was a glitch and that when we return things will improve.
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