The Cock Inn, Stock

Review
The Cock Inn

Venue:

The Cock Inn, Stock, Essex, CM4 9BJ

First thoughts:

Well, to say we giggled for the first ten minutes of sitting down is an understatement. Firstly, the barmaid showed us to our table (since this is an Inn with a restaurant section) chewing strong-smelling minty gum with her mouth open! She appeared to have no idea of what menus were available ("I'm just the barmaid, you'll have to ask the manager,") and promptly left us to wait for the restaurant waitress. As we browsed the chalkboard 'specials' above our heads, I started to giggle. I'm not sure I fancied 'Melbra' toast with my chicken liver parfait- what cup size might it be? Or 'Parmasen' over the 'Rissoto'. The 'Panchetta', (this was lowest on the board, right next to me), served as part of the spaghetti 'Carbona', was somehow missing its 'h', leaving a guiltily obvious space. For dessert it was 'Cremé (cremay) Caramel'.

I know, I know - I'm a teacher, this is what I do: Get a little over obsessive about correct grammar and spelling, but when it's the first thing you see (apart from the gum-chewing barmaid!) it sets the precedent for the rest of the evening. I can't help it - and I apologise.

The restaurant waitress was very well informed, however, and assured us there may be a 10/15 minute wait as "All food is cooked to order" - I should bloody hope so, it is a decent restaurant.

Appearance:

Despite the giggles so far, the food exceeded expectations. Portion sizes were huge and all the food was well cooked. All dishes were nicely presented.

Taste:

The chicken Liver Parfait (with Melbra toast) didn't come in a range of cup sizes, and was in fact served with toasted baguette. The pate was obviously home made though and incredibly rich and delicious, served with a red onion compote. The crayfish and prawn 'Rissoto', despite being wrongly spelt, was very tasty. We felt both, though, needed more seasoning to draw out the flavours. As you can see, the salad version of the rissoto [sic] also looked good.

For main course, I opted for fish and chips, (I'm a Northern girl at heart), as I rarely make it myself at home. The fish was huge with a light and crispy batter. I couldn't possibly eat all the chips, but did indulge in mint sauce with the mushy peas! The steak, despite asking for it rare, came medium but was, apparently, very tasty. The Calves Liver was wolfed down in seconds and the duck with peach sauce was well received, tender and tasty. A little more 'pinkness' would have improved it further.

To Drink:

We ordered a 'cheapish' bottle of Red to drink and it rather surprised me by being really smooth and lovely with hints of smokiness and a deep rich flavour. I was impressed at the quality of this bottle considering its price.

Value for Money:

2.5 pints, 1 Martini, 1 Bottle of Red
4 Starters
4 Main courses
Total Cost: £85 - £21.25 a headGood value for money..

Overall:

If you judged this restaurant on first appearances, you wouldn't get farther than sitting down to order. If, however, like us, you were able to 'forgive' and not forget the odd amusement, putting it down as one of the place's quirks, the food would win you over. The service by our restaurant waitress was polite, efficient and professional and the food very good. I'd definitely return, perhaps to try the lunch menu, and while there, see if I could adjust any more of the specials' menu without being spotted!