Food and Folk at the Old Bakery in Lincoln
The Old Bakery is a restaurant with rooms in the heart of Lincoln. The original bakery dates back to 1837, but it was derelict for nearly forty years until a restoration in 1994. Since 2004, Ivano and Tracey de Serio own it in partnership with Tracey’s parents, Alan and Lyn Ritson.
Ivano is an award-winning Italian Chef who skillfully exploits Lincoln’s wealth of fresh, local and seasonal produce. The style is contemporary European. Tracey and Alan complement this by taking care of the front of house duties with friendly attention. As The Old Bakery has had plenty of accolades, booking is essential.
There are three dining rooms; two are charmingly rustic inside the Old Bakery itself. There is also an air-conditioned Garden Room extension for another forty covers. We dined there, a light and airy space done out in calming olive green. White linen contrasts with the warmth of weathered brick walls.
Dining
We sipped glasses of Prosecco while examining an extensive menu, including a seven-course Tasting Menu. The wine list is full of interest, including some imported directly from Ivano’s native Puglia.
My starter was genuinely original, a delicious ostrich carpaccio, served with a creamy pecorino and lemon mousse. My partner meanwhile enjoyed sautéed girolles with a tarragon and pea granita. To wash down these delights, we chose an unusual white wine. Japanese Koshu from Grace Winery near Mount Fuji. This wine is reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc and made a crystalline foil for the food. Other restaurants should be this adventurous!
Choosing from the range of mouthwatering main courses on offer took time; all are tempting, especially a Taleggio risotto. The perfectly pink rack of lamb with a stack of Mediterranean char-grilled vegetables is excellent. To drink, Nippozano Chianti Rufina Riserva had enough weight to partner the melting quality of the lamb perfectly.
Freshly made ice cream is a house speciality here. Hence Mexican dark chocolate delice came with a glass of Manzanilla Pasada, an inspired suggestion. Meanwhile, Strawberries and Gran Marnier ice cream were irresistible with sparkling Moscato d’Asti.
If you’ve any room left, the cheeseboard includes Lincolnshire Poacher, Wigmore, Colston Bassett and Cote Hill Blue.
The Old Bakery has more to offer besides the cuisine. A delicatessen is a brand new addition, selling ingredients used in the kitchen; pasta, truffles and home-baked bread. If you want to get hands-on, there’s also a cookery school.
Folk Music
Alan Ritson is also an impresario. With a love of folk music, he books musicians locally and is a director of Lincoln City Radio. You might bump into folk stars such as Eliza Carthy, Kate Rusby or The Unthanks during your stay.
Breakfast was the equal of dinner, with plenty of options including a stupendous Lincolnshire Poacher cheese omelette. Over this, we shared stories with Kieran Goss and Ann Kinsella, who were celebrating the end of their European Tour.
The Old Bakery offers a memorable experience and an excellent base from which to explore the city.
In and around Lincoln
Lincoln Cathedral and Castle
Lincoln makes a beautiful destination for a City Break. The historic Cathedral Quarter can keep anyone enthralled. The Cathedral, with its three soaring towers, is glorious. Meanwhile, nearby Lincoln Castle dates from just two years after the Norman Conquest, offering commanding views over Lincoln. The Castle also keeps original copies of Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest. These foundations of our legal systems are a must-see.
Medieval streets and buildings, including the accurately titled Steep Hill, offer Pubs, foodie and speciality shops plus a Farmers Market. Walk down the hill to the town below and continue through the shops to the river. The Brayford Waterfront with its marina and bars is also well worth a detour, especially on a sunny day.
26/28 Burton Road
Lincoln
LN1 3LB