Even before you step through the door of this converted backstreet boozer you know you’re going to get fantastic local produce, because it’s one of four fabulous eateries that make up Exeter’s renowned independent enterprise The Fat Pig Ltd.
Chef Darren Jory combines those fresh ingredients to create exciting harmonies of flavour. I opted for richly flavoured fallow deer and black pudding with beetroot and blackberries, while my partner went for smoked mackerel with zingy black olive sorbet. Everything is made in-house, and it shows. My partner’s juicy venison burger was sandwiched in a wonderfully fresh bun, oozing with blue cheese and tomato relish, and was served with crispy, fat chips. We were glad to learn from our server that finger licking is encouraged. The crispy crackling of my sweet confit pork belly with burnt caper butter added another layer of texture to the accompanying creamy butternut squash and toasted hazelnuts. I wondered whether plate licking was encouraged.
Desserts are eclectic and original; the whisky syrup with my chocolate tart looked like raindrops on the plate and tasted both smoky and sweet, while the poached rhubarb and hibiscus crumble with custard was a fragrant variation on a classic favourite.
With seriously delicious food and exceptional service, it’s not hard to work out why The Rusty Bike is so popular. We loved it and are sure you will too.
British
0.5 miles
