The Willoughton Wanderer

"Eating my way through life one bite at a time!"

Author: Ian Jeffery

  • Mrs Wanderer and I found ourselves basking in the unexpected delight of a sunny Friday as we made our way to The Fox in Kirton, Nottinghamshire — a rather smart and stylish pub that promised good things from the outset. We were meeting a couple of old friends for lunch, and from the moment we…

  • We dropped into Jasmine Asian Restaurant on Beverley’s main drag, Butcher Row, for what we hoped would be a light but tasty lunch. The lunch menu looked promising, so Mrs Wanderer went for the Indonesian Ginger Chicken, and I—clearly feeling adventurous—opted for the Indonesian Fried Rice with chicken. That, dear reader, was my fatal forkful.…

  • When the fridge looks bare but your tastebuds crave comfort, this sizzling one-pan corned beef hash steps up as the unexpected hero. Born from humble tinned meat, a couple of salad potatoes, and a handful of cherry tomatoes, this dish delivers golden crispiness, rich savoury flavour, and a pop of juicy sweetness — all in…

  • I really do despair of this bistro in the heart of Brigg. Having given it a second chance after a disappointing first visit (a bacon bap so dry and salty it could’ve doubled as a packet of pork scratchings), I returned hoping for a simple coffee and a better experience. Sadly, it fell flat –…

  • Sometimes the best meals begin not with a plan, but with a hopeful rummage through the cupboard. That’s exactly how this spicy little number came about—me standing in the kitchen, clutching a tin of lentils in one hand, eight rather regal-looking king prawns in the other, and wondering whether lunch was going to be a…

  • “A Tin of Sardines, Two Eggs, and a Dream: How I Curry-ied On Regardless” Let’s face it—there comes a point in every home cook’s life when dinner is less MasterChef and more Ready, Steady, What’s-In-The-Cupboard? That moment struck me squarely between the eyebrows one sunny Saturday morning, when my culinary arsenal amounted to: one lonely…

  • We had a lunch date lined up with friends at The Crown in Rolleston, Nottinghamshire — and we were pretty excited. The last time we visited (back when it was called The Vineyard and served unexpectedly brilliant tapas), the food had been a total triumph. Now, under new management, The Crown has gone back to…

  • Mrs. Wanderer and I popped into the Red Lion in Redbourne, Lincolnshire for a cheeky Good Friday lunch—one of our favourite local spots. The place was buzzing (no surprise on a holiday!), and although we hadn’t booked, we slipped in behind another unbooked couple. Our young waitress looked momentarily startled (think “rabbit in headlights”), but…

  • As someone who enjoys a good café stop during my travels, I had high hopes when I stepped into Pantry 8020 in Brigg for a simple but satisfying breakfast: a flat white and a bacon sandwich. Unfortunately, my experience was far from enjoyable. The first disappointment came when I couldn’t find a bacon sandwich listed…

  • Cooking time 45 minutes, Serves 2 Aubergine is a versatile ingredient that adds rich flavour and texture to many dishes. In this post, I will share my favourite lamb and aubergine risotto recipe, combining tender lamb leg steaks with roasted aubergine, vibrant peppers, and a luscious tomato base. This dish not only offers a delightful…